ON THE INSTITUTE OF LOCUM TENENS IN THE GEORGIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

Abstract

This paper seeks to elucidate the way in which the status of locum tenens functions in the tradition of Eastern Orthodox Church and its Canon Law. This article provides a brief overview of the relationship between the Bishop and the local Church since Apostolic fathers, to present that the perceive of institute of locum tenens in the Georgian Church (since 1917 until today) is out of Holy Canons and Tradition. While recognizing the immense impact and contribution of the Russian Reign, this paper examines the questions and problems which are dominated in Georgian Church and connects them to the style of electing bishops. Attempting to move beyond dated documents and practices which are operating in Georgia, this article seeks to make room with other documents and practices about the governing of local Orthodox Church. For example, in this paper is pronounced clearly, that it is uncanonically both, when patriarch is able to elect or elevate bishop without others and when in the same city there are two governing bishops (in this case -
patriarch and his locum tenens).
Following in the wake of the Canon Law, Church History and Tradition regarding bishops and the rule of their election, paper concludes, that the style of election of Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) as locum tenens, his status and authority are out of Holy
Canons and it must be changed.