Georgian Patriarch Election Fuels Kremlin Interference Claims

(Beka Chedia – The Jamestown Foundation) The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) elected Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) as Patriarch amid allegations of Georgian Dream interference, opaque procedures, and Russian influence. This intensified domestic polarization and raised concerns about the Patriarchate’s institutional independence and political neutrality. Shio III’s Russian theological background, longstanding ties to pro-Kremlin businessman Levan Vasadze, and rapid congratulations from Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill fueled suspicions that Moscow seeks to preserve influence over GOC affairs. The contentious election process exposed divisions within the GOC, with critics alleging manipulated candidate selection, government pressure on bishops, and insufficient transparency, leaving the new Patriarch facing challenges to establish legitimacy and public trust. – Georgian Patriarch Election Fuels Kremlin Interference Claims – Jamestown