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
Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos
The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.