Patriarch of Georgia Names 'Locus Tenens'

The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, has appointed his locum tenens, Metropolitan Shio Mujiri of the Eparchy of Senaki and Chkhorotskhu.

Locum tenens is a person who serves as the patriarch, in case of ill-being, death, resignation or absence of the Patriarch of Georgia.

Locum tenens rules the Patriarchate until the election of the new patriarch, in case of the Patriarch dying.

40 days after the death of the Patriarch, but no later than two months, the Patriarchal locum tenens summons a meeting of the Georgian Church, where the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia will be elected.

Three days prior the meeting, the locum tenens summons the meeting of the Holy Synod to select three possible patriarchal candidates, who will be presented at the church meeting.

Metropolitan Shio Mujiri told reporters that the Patriarch’s decision was quite unexpected for him and the other clerics.

He said the Patriarch would later specify what his functions and duties will be.

“It is a huge joy that His Holiness honored me to take this position. However, I am feeling very uneasy because it is a huge cross to bear,” the patriarchal locom tenens said.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: Newposts