The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) has issued a statement concerning Paata Burchuladze’s recent initiative.

The Patriarchate’s statement affirmed that the Church is neither biased toward nor can it favour any political entity.

“On April 6, Paata Burchuladze sought the blessing of the Catholicos-Patriarch to ring the bells of the Kashveti Church at dawn on April 9 in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and to mark the tragic events of that day. However, in Burchuladze’s latest announcement, he declared the commencement of his political campaign on April 8-9 and made various appeals in this context. It appears that the ringing of the bells may also be intended to serve his agenda. Despite differing opinions expressed by individual clergy, the Church, in principle, remains impartial to any political force. We must attend to the needs of our parishioners and, to the best of our abilities, strive for the unification of our country while adhering to divine teachings—an imperative that should be recognized by all.”

Since 1989, April 9 has become a significant day in the life of our nation. This year, too, with the blessing of His Holiness and Beatitude, traditional funeral and memorial services will be held at the April 9 Memorial, as well as in the St. George Cathedral in Kashveti and other churches and monasteries throughout Georgia,” the statement from the Georgian Patriarchate concluded.