Patriarch of Georgia addresses nation in connection with protests

Protesters in Georgia. Photo: eurotopics

The Primate of the Georgian Church, Patriarch Ilia, addressed the Georgian people in connection with the protests in the capital. The statement was published by the Georgian Patriarchate on its Facebook page.

The Patriarch said, "The events that have unfolded in recent days clearly show that it is the duty of each of us to take care of peace."

"Every person, from the youngest to the oldest, must distance themselves from violence and reflect on the fact that in these challenging times, escalating tensions create a real danger to the country's main achievement – its statehood and sovereignty, and based on this, determine their actions," said Patriarch Ilia. He warned that the lack of love, cynicism, and disrespect observed between the participants in the conflicts are mortal sins.

"With mutual hatred, bitterness, and bile... we will not solve any national issue, and will only harm ourselves and the state. Our Christianity ends where love for our neighbour ends," emphasized Patriarch Ilia.

He urged the people to "unite in prayer for the well-being of Georgia, so that with God's help and inner peace, we may take the right steps".

The Georgian Patriarch blessed the clergy in Georgia and abroad to ring the bells daily at 1:00 PM and to serve a prayer service in honour of the Most Holy Theotokos. He also urged the faithful living in Georgia and abroad to recite prayers throughout the day: "Our Father", Psalm 90, "Open to us the door of mercy...," "Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos..." (three times), as well as the troparia of St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Nino, St. George, and St. Nicholas, and at the end: "Save, O Lord, Your people..."

The Patriarch reminded that "Georgia is an integral part of European civilisation, and it is our duty to contribute to the strengthening and development of a national state of the European type, based on our centuries-old Christian spiritual and cultural heritage and traditional values".

As earlier reported by the UOJ, the Georgian Church condemned the President's call for children to participate in protests.

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