Georgian Church addresses authorities and protesters

St. George Cathedral in central Tbilisi surrounded by protesters. Photo: RFE/RL

The Georgian Patriarchate issued several statements regarding the clashes between protesters and authorities. On November 30, 2024, the press service of the Georgian Church posted on its Facebook page, stating that the confrontations in Tbilisi “cause us deep pain and concern.”

"Despite explanations from government representatives, both yesterday and today, that Georgia is not deviating from its European course and does not reject European values, for some part of society, these explanations were not convincing enough. As a result, a peaceful demonstration gradually escalated into physical confrontations between security forces and protesters," the statement read.

The Church noted the aggressive actions of activists who attempted to seize buildings and caused damage to city infrastructure. At the same time, the press service of the Georgian Church considered the response from law enforcement to be excessively harsh.

"We call on the government, law enforcement agencies, and all other members of society actively expressing their protests to refrain from aggressive and offensive actions, physical and verbal confrontations. Let us not insult each other over differing opinions, and we can express our positions more civilly. Such negative behavior and actions are alien to the vision of the Church and the Christian spirit in general," the statement said.

Late on the evening of November 30, the Georgian Patriarchate addressed rumors circulating on social media, claiming that St. George's Cathedral (Kashveti Church), located across from the Parliament in Tbilisi, was closed to protesters.

The publication stated that some individuals were spreading misinformation, alleging that clergy wanted to allow injured protesters into the church but were forced to shut the doors and eject people by unknown hierarchs.

"We emphasize that this story does not correspond to reality, and no such events occurred. Moreover, on the nights of November 29 and 30, until 6 a.m., clergy and citizens were free to enter the church, and there is ample evidence confirming this fact," the statement said.

The Church highlighted that "the Kashveti Cathedral is currently open to all citizens, regardless of political views; clergy are present in the church to assist their fellow citizens if needed."

"We call on everyone to refrain from such provocative statements and to avoid spreading false information aimed at discrediting the Church. May the Lord protect and bring peace to our people!" the Patriarchate wrote.

On December 1, the press service of the Georgian Church accused the Georgian outlet World Church News of spreading disinformation and lies about the situation surrounding Kashveti Cathedral. According to the statement, the outlet's publications "serve to divide society, incite conflict, and discredit the Church."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that before the elections, the Georgian Church called for national unity and peace.

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