Georgian Church responds to RF SVR claims of Phanar election meddling
Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze. Photo: interpressnews
The Georgian Patriarchate has commented on a statement by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service alleging that Patriarch Bartholomew is seeking to influence the election of the next primate of the Georgian Church, the Georgian branch of the UOJ reports.
Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, head of the Patriarchate’s public relations service, said that interference in the patriarchal election by any Local Church would be “unthinkable and utterly impossible.”
According to the priest, “the grounds for this information that has been circulated are unknown.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Russian intelligence officials, Patriarch Bartholomew allegedly “wants to bring the Georgian Orthodox Church under his influence” by intervening in the election of a new patriarch. According to the Russian service, the figures he allegedly sees as candidates are Metropolitan Abraham of Western Europe (Garmelia) and Metropolitan Gregory of Poti and Khobi (Berbichashvili).
Read also
Spanish court rules Jehovah’s Witnesses may be called a “destructive sect”
A court in Spain has upheld the right of critics of Jehovah’s Witnesses to speak openly about the group’s alleged harmfulness and danger to society.
U.S. startup launches $2-per-minute AI “Jesus” video chat service
An American startup has introduced a video-calling service that allows users to “speak” with an AI-generated image of Christ, offering responses based on biblical texts.
RF courts treat posting 666 number as Satanism propaganda
Users can now face an administrative fine or arrest for posting the “number of the beast” or pentagrams on social media.
Orthodox priest in Germany says Germans are finding truth in Orthodoxy
A priest of the Orthodox Church in Germany has said that growing numbers of Germans are turning to the faith in search of clear spiritual guidance and a fuller church life.
RomOC to celebrate Synaxis of Holy Romanian Women for the first time
The Romanian Orthodox Church will mark the Synaxis of Holy Romanian Women for the first time after the canonization of 16 saints in 2025.
Antiochian Patriarch discusses peace and future of Christians with Turkish officials
During a visit to Antioch, Patriarch John X discussed with Turkish authorities the region’s recovery, support for Orthodox communities, and the preservation of a Christian presence.