Saakashvili accuses Georgian metropolitan of working for Russia
Mikheil Saakashvili accuses Georgian clerics of working for Russia. Photo: UNIAN
Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is now under arrest, reacted sharply negatively to Metropolitan Ioane (Gamrekeli) of Kutaisi-Gaenati 's words about the terms of his pardon on his Facebook page.
Metropolitan Ioane said the former president could only be forgiven if he admitted his crimes.
"Mr Gamrekeli has long been known for speaking directly in Russian and preaching in a way that Patriarch Kirill would envy his pro-Russian sentiment," Saakashvili wrote.
The former president of Georgia stated that the "fifth column" embedded in the church should be removed from the Georgian clergy. He expressed the belief that the majority of Georgian Orthodox Church members have a "patriotic" position and will support the idea of national reconciliation between the ruling party "Georgian Dream" and the opposition, led by Saakashvili's party "United National Movement" initiated by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili.
As reported, Patriarch Ilia of Georgia received the mother of jailed former president Saakashvili.
Read also
Persecuted UOC cathedral community holds worship in new premises
The persecuted UOC community in Volodymyr continues its liturgical life, gathering for prayer in a makeshift space.
Charismatic pastor urges “re-baptizing” UOC faithful to sever ties with RF
A Ukrainian Protestant pastor said he considers baptisms in the UOC invalid and called on Orthodox believers to undergo the rite again.
OCU “bishop”: UOC celebrates Christmas on January 7 to divide Ukrainians
Firley believes it is not those imposing the new calendar style who are dividing Ukrainian society, but those who have remained on the old one.
UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village
In Donetsk Region, Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko – who had served for many years in a frontline village – was killed during shelling.
Cabinet extends religious communities’ use of state property to up to 50 years
The government has changed the rules for transferring religious sites, increasing contract terms and establishing priority for communities that have already been using the churches.
70 men from Ukraine and Europe complete UOC altar-server training course
The “Guardians of the Altar” project was organized by the Volodymyr-Volyn Eparchy of the UOC.