Metropolitan Gregory urged not to turn the election of the Patriarch of Georgia into a political campaign

Metropolitan Grigori of Poti and Khoba, one of the three candidates for the Patriarchal Throne of Georgia, delivered an official address in which he urged not to identify the process of electing the Primate of the Church with national political elections. During his sermon, the hierarch emphasized the importance of preserving church unity and dignity regardless of the outcome of the vote.

According to Orthodoxia News Agency, the Bishop expressed concern about the methods used during the current election campaign. According to him, today there are cases of slander and unfair treatment, which is unacceptable for the Church environment. «I sincerely wish that these elections will not be like ordinary elections held in the state,» Metropolitan Gregory said, adding that the candidates are not representatives of opposing parties or interest groups.

At the end of his speech, the hierarch reminded that all candidates for the throne are «children of the Church and our bishops,» who remain an integral part of a single spiritual organism. Metropolitan Gregory urged the faithful to be judicious, emphasizing that the main goal after the completion of the election process should remain peaceful coexistence and joint service for the good of the Church.