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.

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