Patriarch of Georgia bans cleric from serving for slander against bishops

Archimandrite Ilia Tolorai. Photo: Interpressnews
On November 5, 2025, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II suspended Archimandrite Ilia Tolorai, a cleric of the Trinity Patriarchal Monastery, from priestly service, the Georgian branch of the UOJ reports.
In the decree signed by the Patriarch, it is stated that Archimandrite Ilia “is forbidden to perform any sacred rites for verbal insults directed at a bishop and for slanderous statements against hierarchs of the Church until sincere repentance.”
The decision to prohibit Archimandrite Ilia Tolorai from serving will remain in force until he repents and is restored to his priestly duties, the decree signed by Patriarch Ilia II notes.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Georgian Patriarch had called on the Church to strengthen Christian values in the face of technological challenges.
Read also
Lionel Messi thanks God for his achievements as he ends international career
Argentine football star Lionel Messi credited God for his success as he brought his international career to a close, saying he could never have achieved so much without God's will.
Odesa’s St. Elijah Monastery honors memory of its founder
Metropolitan Agafangel led celebrations at St. Elijah Monastery in Odesa on the feast day of St. Gabriel of Mount Athos.
OCU cleric rejects suspension, accuses ruling bishop of usurping power
An OCU cleric called the decree suspending him "canonically null and void" and accused "Bishop" Semanchuk of attempting to seize parishes and using mobilization threats as blackmail.
Supreme Court: Religious beliefs do not exempt citizens from mobilization
The Supreme Court has clarified that Ukrainian law does not provide for alternative civilian service under martial law.
Ukraine birth rate drops 17%, demographer says
The head of a department at Ukraine’s Institute of Demography has reported a sharp decline in the country's birth rate.
Khust Eparchy honors memory of St. Job of Uholka
A Liturgy is served in Mala Uholka, a birthplace of St. Job of Uholka, on the saint's feast day.