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

Great schema tonsure performed in Mohyliv-Podilskyi Eparchy

The rite of tonsure into the great schema at St. Paraskeva Church in Mohyliv-Podilskyi was performed by the secretary of the Vinnytsia Eparchy.

UOC’s Myltsi monastery brethren appeal to U.S. authorities for protection

The monks of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Volhynia are asking J.D. Vance and Anna Paulina Luna to defend their rights and help prevent their possible eviction.

Teen who set fire to synagogue sentenced in Kryvyi Rih

A court sentenced a minor to two years of probation supervision after he admitted guilt and compensated for damages caused by the arson of a synagogue building.

"KyivPride" organizers announced dates for holding LGBT march in capital

Activists plan to hold mass events in June 2026.

Monastic tonsures performed at Kyiv Theological Academy

The Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools, Archbishop Sylvester, tonsured four students of the academy and seminary into monasticism.

No language law violations found at Holosiiv Monastery school

The inspection found no evidence of Russian-language instruction in the school that operated on the grounds of the Holosiiv Monastery.