Patriarchate: It is important to determine what work is being carried out at Kurmukhi Church in Azerbaijan
The Patriarchate of Georgia has issued a statement regarding ongoing works at St. George Church in Kurmukhi, Azerbaijan, saying that the relevant Georgian state agencies must become involved in the process and take appropriate action.
“The information and photo and video materials circulated in the media in recent days regarding the works being carried out at St. George Church in Kurmukhi, in historical Hereti, and on its surrounding grounds are concerning. Although the Kurmukhi Church is currently located on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it is an important monument of the historical and spiritual heritage of our country and Church,” the statement said.
“Naturally, this development has prompted a strong reaction and justified concern in our society, which negatively affects the process of strengthening good-neighborly relations and cooperation between the two neighboring states and peoples,” it added.
According to the Georgian Orthodox Church, particular attention should be paid to any intervention carried out both inside the church and in the area surrounding it.
“Numerous questions arise regarding both the unclear purpose of the works and the rehabilitation of a Georgian cultural heritage monument without coordination with the Georgian side. We would also like to note that the Patriarchate of Georgia has received no information from the relevant state agencies of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding these actions,” the statement said.
The Patriarchate said it is important at this stage to establish what type of works are being carried out on the church grounds, what research they are based on and who is carrying them out, as well as how the protection of the Georgian cultural heritage monument is being ensured.
“Based on the above, we believe that it is urgently necessary for the relevant Georgian state agencies to become involved in the process and take appropriate action, within the scope of their competence and the existing framework of international cooperation.
It is important for these agencies to take an interest in the matter, obtain official information and facilitate the involvement of representatives of the Patriarchate of Georgia and Georgian specialists in the relevant field in discussions on the issue. We believe that only timely and coordinated cooperation can ensure the proper protection and preservation of the monument of Georgia’s spiritual and cultural heritage,” the statement said.