GOC urges president and politicians to choose their words wisely

The Public Relations Service of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) responded to a recent statement made by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on social media, in which she remarked, “After universities, it is now the turn of schools to express their solidarity with the protests happening throughout Georgia.”

The GOC characterized such a statement as unacceptable.

“The President should strive to diffuse the current polarization and animosity, rather than inciting young people,” the statement read, noting that the ongoing events could adversely affect the mental and physical well-being of future generations, which is “of utmost concern.”

The GOC is closely monitoring the developments at protest rallies, observing that the situation frequently escalates into tension and sometimes confrontations.

Additionally, the GOC condemned the involvement of minors in these ongoing events by political figures or parents, labelling it a “crime.”

“We have witnessed videos showing unknown individuals entering schools against the wishes of school administrations, disrupting the learning process and addressing students. This behaviour, which generates legitimate outrage, is entirely unacceptable and must be halted immediately,” the GOC emphasized.

“We call upon the President of Georgia and other political leaders, during these tumultuous times, to exercise greater responsibility in their every word, as it may have dire consequences for all,” the GOC concluded.

Mamuka Tediashvili, Director of the Patriarchate’s Ilia the Righteous School, urged parents to refrain from involving their children in political matters.

“We condemn the violence that has transpired in recent days. We implore students, staff, and parents not to introduce political controversies into our schools,” he stated.