The Catholicos Patriarch of All Georgia Shio has named his his locum tenens. The Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku is the only bishop who will carry out the functions of the Patriarch. Those decisions will be made in the Patriarchate together with Ilia II.

After the death of Patriarch, within 40 days he will be officially acting as Patriarch, until the Holy Synod will identify the new Patriarch. He will be predominant at the closed meeting of the high priests, compared with other patriarchal candidates.

Archbishop Shi`o, Elizbar Mujiri received the Sacred Education in Moscow in St. Tichon School, he served for two years in the Georgian Church of Moscow. When asked about his Russian ties, Shoa replied that it was a rumor.

Theologians suggest that the Patriarch may have appointed his locum tenens because of the crisis in the Patriarchate. Part of the theologians expects strengthening of Influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Patriarchate.
Archbishop Shio is a spiritual leader and friend of the president, Giorgi Margvelashvili.