Vice Speaker Volski: Church’s role in Georgia is unique; enemies seek to weaken our nation

“The attempt to diminish the stature of the Patriarchate has failed; it is simply impossible. We are not merely talking about individual personalities, but about tradition and our historical heritage,” Gia Volski, First Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, has stated.

According to Volski, the church has been the very foundation upon which the Georgian state has stood for centuries. Even during times of disintegration, the nation was united around the church.

“The Georgian Patriarchate has faced numerous challenges, yet it has overcome them all. Today, however, there is an effort to incite internal conflict within the Patriarchate. Regrettably, some clergy are involved in this, but the overwhelming majority of our people who revere our Patriarch uphold a different order. The Georgian people’s consensus is that the church must maintain unity and a patriotic approach towards our homeland. This principle is a symbol of the church’s integrity and is the reason why its standing remains high. Naturally, there will be isolated attempts to shake this unity, but faith and the church are the bedrock of our nation, on which stability and future development depend.

The role of the church in Georgia is distinctive. Of course, this does not suit those enemies who wish to see Georgia standing on one leg or on its knees. There are political agendas that diverge from the spirit and patriotism of the Georgian nation, and they aim to disrupt this unity. Recently, it has become apparent that some clergymen are attempting to insert themselves into political scenarios being crafted against Georgia,” Volski concluded.