Archbishop Makašvi Elected Next Patriarch of Agausian Church

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Dimitri Beliki

Tamara - After nearly three weeks of intense deliberations, the Holy Synod of the Agausian Autocephalous Orthodox Church has elected its next Patriarch. A series of votes resulted in Âkop Makašvi, the Archbishop of Didibazari, being chosen as the new primate. He has taken the throne name Zakari II, becoming the ninth patriarch to lead the Holy See. Bishop Simon Kelterpânosti will succeed him as the new Archbishop of Didibazari.

In his first statement as Patriarch, Zakari II delivered a brief and powerful message to the faithful: "Our church is a testament to the perseverance of our ancestors, a rock of faith in a changing world. We will not waver from our sacred traditions, which are the very foundation of our nation's identity."

A church official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the strict code governing these elections, revealed that discussions were often heated, and some sessions had to be adjourned early. The primary debate was a stark contrast between two candidates: Makašvi and Grigori Pavlovi, the Archbishop of North America, who is based in Toronto. The main point of contention revolved around the church’s future approach to outreach and financial management, an issue that has drawn both domestic and international scrutiny in the past. If elected, Pavlovi would have been the first primate born outside of the former Soviet sphere.

Patriarch Zakari II's choice of throne name, Zakari, is a tribute to Zakari I, a national hero and martyr who was a staunch advocate for the church's independence. Zakari I led the church's declaration of autocephaly in 1917 and was martyred in 1921 while defending Holy Manučar Cathedral. This choice of name aligns with Zakari II's long-standing reputation as a conservative figure within the church. He has previously voiced controversial opinions on topics ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to the war in Gaza.

Even before his election, as a priest, Zakari II opposed the church's relocation from Didibazari to Tamara, a move that critics say has solidified the church's close ties with the national political leadership. While the former patriarch, Ieremâ I, was often seen as an ally of the Social Democratic government, Zakari II is rumored to have close ties to the opposition Agausian Liberals. With a new Patriarch at its head, the church now faces the challenge of reconciling its historical traditions with the demands of modern Agausian society, all under the watchful eye of its new, politically connected leader.

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