“The line of conflict in society passes on the field of fight against values and state sovereignty. Our country’s progress should be based on the words of Ilia the Righteous (Ilia Chavchavadze) ‘Motherland, Language, Faith,'” said the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) in its statement. 

According to the statement, prompt and emotional actions should not violate stability and peace. The GOC said that Georgia’s latest developments mirror global geopolitical changes, but the country has no right to “commit mistakes.” 

The GOC noted that it had historically paid much attention to traditional values and state independence. The GOC believes that in the current situation, “a thorough and healthy discussion should take place over the country’s best choice” which is of utmost significance for the young generation actively involved in the processes. 

“The Church has always supported sincere initiatives and aspirations of our children especially when it had to do with the country’s fate. However, we should not forget that the involvement of youngsters and minors in the political processes makes it obvious that we deal with sensitive and vitally important issues. The use of the young generation’s healthy activeness and patriotic spirit for political interests and harmful ideology propaganda will be damaging for all. 

The government clearly declares that its political vector is European integration reflecting the wish of the majority of the population. In connection with Georgia’s granting the EU candidate country status, the Patriarchate said in its statement that for years, the diplomatic service top officials had convincingly confirmed that the country’s European aspiration did not mean the rejection of its own culture and values. 

However, for years, various TV channels or non-governmental organizations financed from abroad, had led the church’s discrediting campaign in parallel to the LGBT lifestyle propaganda,” reads the statement. 

The GOC remarks that the promotion of unknown and dangerous ideology in the Georgian population deepens the polarization process in society, there is no need for help in ideological issues since the government stands on the guard of traditional values.  

“The passage in the European Parliament resolution that the adoption of the prohibition of LGBT propaganda law is unacceptable by the Georgian state, represents a pressure on values recognized by the majority of the population. This leaves an impression that they disregard Georgia’s state sovereignty that would lead to nothing good,” the statement says. 

The GOC highlights that it seeks to protect family purity, traditions and culture in the population together with Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers to avoid conflicts and continue peaceful co-living that is impossible without state independence.