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

Pražská katedrála slaví páté výročí posvěcení nového prestolu

V devadesátileté historii chrámu sv. Cyrila a Metoděje proběhlo svěcení prestolu již třikrát – v letech 1935, 1947 a 2021.

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.