The News in Brief

Holy Synod Names Candidates to Succeed Late Patriarch Ilia II

The Holy Synod selected three candidates on April 28 to succeed the late Patriarch Ilia II: Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Metropolitan Iobi of Ruisi and Urbnisi, and Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi.

Metropolitan Shio, the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, secured 20 votes in the secret ballot. Metropolitans Iobi and Grigol followed with seven votes each. The 1995 church statute requires the 142nd primate to be an ordained monk aged 40 to 70 with a theological education. These criteria reportedly excluded other potential names, such as Metropolitan Isaia, who lacks a recorded degree, and Metropolitan Daniel, who will soon exceed the age limit.

The election must technically occur by May 17, two months after the Patriarch's death on March 17. While the final vote will take place at the Holy Trinity Cathedral during an assembly of clergy and laypeople, only the 39 members of the Holy Synod hold voting rights. A candidate needs a minimum of 20 votes to win.



Poland Launches Georgian-Language News Service VT Sakartvelo

Polish Public Television (TVP) has launched VT Sakartvelo, a new Georgian-language news service designed to provide "reliable reporting" and a "European perspective." Announced by the Polish Foreign Ministry on April 27, the project aims to counter regional disinformation during a period of significant political challenges for Georgia.

The service broadcasts 18-minute bulletins from Monday to Friday on Belsat TV, as well as on YouTube and Facebook. It is managed by TVP's International Broadcasting Center, which also operates similar programs in Russian, Armenian, and Romanian.

The editorial team includes prominent Georgian journalists Natia Koberidze, Sophio Natsvlishvili, and Rati Mujiri. Describing the project's significance, Mujiri called it a "window" for delivering free and balanced information, while Koberidze characterized the service as a "fundamental bridge" between Georgia and the European Union during a difficult phase in bilateral relations.