The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) issues a statement condemning a recent performance that crosses the line from artistic expression into deliberate insult and provocation.

“When creative works become weapons to humiliate, insult, sow discord, spread hatred, and promote obscenity—causing public outrage and confrontation—they transcend the boundaries of true art and become an act of deliberate evil,” the statement by the Oatriarchate reads.

“We express our deep sorrow and concern regarding this blasphemous performance staged at one of the theatres.

True art fosters goodness and shares this goodness with people. That is its core purpose. However, when art is used as a tool for humiliation, insult, and incitement—sowing discord and hatred—it ceases to be art and becomes an act of deliberate malevolence.

As Saint Basil the Great teaches, ‘Freedom does not mean doing whatever you want; freedom means doing what is necessary.’

We call upon everyone to honour and uphold their spiritual responsibilities, understanding that these foundations are an integral and inseparable part of the human soul. Society must also understand that such actions should not be masked as freedom or art, nor used as instruments of blasphemy against God, mockery of faith, morality, or our shared historical memory.

We call upon the creators of this event to repent. Let it be clear: those who commit such sacrilege, without repentance, risk ecclesiastical punishment, including excommunication from the Church,” the statement concludes.