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.

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