“The Kashveti Church is currently open to all individuals, just as it was on November 29 and 30. Clergy are present and will assist citizens at any time if needed,”according to a statement from the Georgian Patriarchate.

The Patriarchate urges citizens “not to succumb to provocations and maintain calmness.”

“False information is once again spreading on social media, this time shared by the page ‘World Church News.’ According to them, the Patriarchate, under the instructions of Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, has ‘admonished the priest of Kashveti Church for opening the church.’

We categorically declare that this information is pure falsehood and in these tense times for the country, it serves only to divide society, incite hatred, and discredit the Church.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time. The ‘World Church News’ page has previously shared similar false information, and its administrators are particularly adept at spreading slander about clergy of the Georgian Orthodox Church, including Metropolitan Shio.

We reiterate that the Kashveti Church is currently open to everyone, as it was on November 29 and 30. Clergy are present and ready to assist citizens at any time if needed.

We urge you not to fall for such provocations, to maintain calmness and reason.

May the Lord protect our country in peace!” the statement concludes.