The Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate has strongly condemned an act of sacrilege against Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most revered religious landmarks.
In an official statement, the Patriarchate expressed deep sorrow over the offensive act committed by foreign nationals. It emphasized that this was not only an affront to the Church but also an insult to the entire country.
Reports suggest that the individual(s) responsible may still be in Georgia, leading to calls for personal retaliation. However, the Church firmly rejected such actions, stating that vigilante justice is unacceptable.
Furthermore, the Patriarchate has formally requested the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate the incident and take appropriate legal action. The Church is committed to ensuring that the facts are established with certainty and due process is followed in addressing the violation.
Jvari Monastery, situated in Mtskheta, holds great significance in Georgian Christianity and is a symbol of national heritage. Any desecration against it is seen as an attack on the country’s spiritual and cultural identity.