The former Orthodox patriarch of Jerusalem, Irenaios, suffered a serious blow in his attempt to wrestle back power in the Church after the Israeli Supreme Court yesterday rejected his appeal to have the process to elect his successor annulled.

The court’s decision now paves the way for a special council of clerics who ousted Irenaios to meet today to compile a short list of candidates to replace the former patriarch. Irenaios was also ordered to cover court costs, totaling 15,000 shekels (some 2,700 euros).

Once the candidates have been nominated, the list will be made known to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority — the three governments with authority over the Jerusalem Patriarchate — for approval. If no problems arise, then the election of a new patriarch should take place by August 15, sources said.

Meanwhile, in a further snub toward Irenaios, the Palestinian Authority officially recognized the caretaker patriarch, Cornelius, Bishop of Petra, who was appointed in May.