Ukrainian politologist: Orthodox Church restrains Georgia's development

Vitaly Portnikov. Photo: a video screenshot from espreso.tv

Ukrainian journalist of Jewish descent, who writes on political topics, Vitaly Portnikov stated that the Georgian Orthodox Church allegedly supports the ruling party "Georgian Dream", which won the elections, and is a "significant force holding back Georgian society in its development". He made these comments during a broadcast on the Espresso TV channel.

Commenting on the current situation in Georgia, Portnikov lamented that the election results showed the country is turning away from reforms.

"This will also have the support of the Georgian Orthodox Church, which is a significant force holding back Georgian society in its development. At least we have a Ukrainian church and a Russian one, and we understand that the UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate is a conservative force. Georgia has its own church, but it is clearly and civilizationally within the orbit of the ROC and effectively helps the ‘Georgian Dream' in its attempt to retain power," claims the Ukrainian political expert.

As reported by the UOJ, the Georgian Church called for national unity and peace before the elections. The statement emphasizes that the Orthodox Church as the greatest unifier and benefactor of the people and the country cannot take a side in political matters. "However, the Church will support what brings long-term peace to Georgia and strengthens values in society that contribute to reinforcing Christian and family traditions," the document notes.

Earlier, the Georgian Church supported an ant-LGBT law.

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