“Radical and funded groups are attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of the Church,” stated MP Davit Matikashvili, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Procedural Issues.

He emphasised that decisions within the Church’s remit should be entrusted to the Holy Synod.

“The Patriarch’s intentions and stance clearly reflect the direction in which the Mother Church should continue to move. Today, we are witnessing a smear campaign, an attempt by certain individuals to discredit the Church and tarnish the reputation of specific clergy. These individuals will not succeed in continuing their treacherous attitude and policies towards their homeland, the Church, or its Patriarch. They only reveal their true faces to the public. The Georgian people have made it abundantly clear to the world their unwavering support for the Patriarch and his vision. Therefore, any attempts by radicals will ultimately prove futile,” Matikashvili asserted.