Georgian Church calls for national unity and peace ahead of elections

The Georgian Orthodox Church. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency

In a statement issued by the Public Relations Service of the Georgian Orthodox Church ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for Saturday, October 26, the unifying role of the Church, while maintaining political neutrality, was emphasized, according to orthodoxianewsagency.

The Patriarchate of Georgia urged the clergy to help maintain unity during the emotionally charged election period and called for prayers for the triumph of national unity and peace.

"Today, our country is at a critical juncture. On one hand, protecting national and religious values, and on the other, preserving the unity of the country, safeguarding sovereignty, and ensuring peace are the main goals for both state institutions and society," the statement read.

The document stressed that the Georgian Orthodox Church, as the greatest unifier and benefactor of the people and the country, cannot side with any particular political faction.

"However, the Church will support anything that brings long-term peace to Georgia and strengthens those values in society that promote Christian and family traditions," the statement added.

The statement also emphasized that during the pre-election period, the clergy should remember that their role is to preserve unity and calm.

As previously reported, the Georgian Church supported the anti-LGBT law.

Read also

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'

"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."

Rep. Bacon: 'I Don't Think the UOC Takes Orders from Russia'

Earlier this week, the congressman rejected an opportunity for dialogue with members of the Society of St. John who visited his office despite them holding the same viewpoint.

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.