The Patriarchate of Georgia has released a strong statement addressing recent events during protests in the country, denouncing acts of hostility and blasphemy that have deeply troubled the faithful and heightened social tensions.
The statement expresses concern over the increasing animosity and lack of willingness for dialogue during the ongoing protests. The Patriarchate notes, “We are witnessing extreme displays of hostility, including occult rituals and blasphemous acts,” referencing a disturbing incident where demonstrators burned a coffin with the image of Christ on Rustaveli Avenue, near the Georgian Parliament.
The Patriarchate condemns this action as a deliberate provocation and an offense to Christian values, emphasizing that such behaviors only serve to widen societal divides. The statement holds organizers and participants accountable for these incidents, highlighting the echoes of painful historical periods marked by the desecration and persecution of the Church.
While acknowledging that some protesters may have been unaware of the gravity of their actions, the Patriarchate urges all involved to reflect on their behavior, acknowledge its seriousness, and seek repentance.
In a compassionate gesture, clergy at the Kashveti Church of Saint George have been holding nightly vigils to pray for the protesters, with many demonstrators joining them in prayer. However, the Patriarchate strongly criticizes the involvement of occult rituals near the church as a deliberate provocation and an insult to believers, regardless of their stance on the protests.
The statement reminds Christians of the spiritual dangers associated with engaging in occult practices, cautioning that such actions distance individuals from God. Emphasizing Georgia as a land sanctified by Christian martyrs, the Patriarchate declares that any path leading to the desecration of sacred traditions is ultimately harmful.
Ending on a hopeful note, the Patriarchate calls for unity and love to prevail during these challenging times. “May the Lord grant us discerning hearts, humility, and a spirit of mutual love to overcome these challenges together,” reads the statement.