Tbilisi, November 6, 2025
Photo: tvpirveli.ge
His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim (Jojoua), a retired hierarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, reposed in the Lord yesterday.
The Patriarchate stated yesterday:
We announce with great sorrow that last night, Metropolitan Seraphim (Jojoua) unexpectedly passed away at the age of 64, and we extend our condolences to all who cherish the memory of His Eminence.
His body will lie in repose today, November 5, at Sioni Cathedral, and memorial services will be held over three days, with Divine Liturgies beginning at 9:00 AM.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday at 2:00 PM, and the burial will be at Koshigora Monastery, where Metropolitan Seraphim served in his final days.
He served the Church in the episcopal dignity for 30 years.
May Met. Seraphim’s memory be eternal!
***
Met. Seraphim was born on February 15, 1961, in Sukhumi.
From 1991-1992, he was a novice at Martkopi Monastery.
On August 28, 1992, on the feast of the Dormition, he was tonsured as a monk at Vardzias and given the name Seraphim in honor of St. Seraphim of Sarov, appointing him abbot of Phocas Monastery. In October, he was ordained a hierodeacon there.
On November 26, 1992, His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II ordained Hierodeacon Seraphim as a hieromonk at Sioni Patriarchal Cathedral. In August of that year, Hieromonk Seraphim was elevated to the rank of igument for his faithful service to the Church.
On April 5, 1995, he was elected bishop of the newly established Diocese of Borjomi and Akhalkalaki.
On April 20, 1995, on Holy Thursday, he was consecrated a bishop at Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Cathedral.
Until November 17, 2002, he led the Diocese of Borjomi and Akhalkalaki, and thereafter the Diocese of Borjomi and Bakuriani. At his initiative, in 2001 the first episcopal residence was established in Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda, churches were blessed, and monasteries were activated.
On November 28, 2000, Met. Seraphim was elevated to the rank of Archbishop.
On December 25, 2007, he was awarded the Church of Georgia’s highest honor—the Order of St. George in Gold.
On November 18, 2009, Abp. Seraphim was elevated to the rank of Metropolitan.
On April 24, 2016, Met. Seraphim, on the basis of a personal statement, was relieved of governance of the Diocese of Borjomi and Bakuriani. He then served as a titular metropolitan.
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