Saakashvili urged Georgia's new Patriarch to "eradicate Russian influence" in the Church

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili sent an appeal to the newly elected Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church, urging him to focus on protecting national interests and strengthening the country’s spiritual independence. In his letter, the politician emphasized the importance of eliminating external ideological pressure and returning the Church to the role of protector of ordinary citizens.

Saakashvili congratulated the new Primate on his election and expressed hope for a worthy continuation of the path of Patriarch-Catholicos Ilia II, Georgia Online news portal reported. A key appeal in the address was the demand to «take steps to remove Russian influence and narratives.» According to Saakashvili, the GOC should remain as close to the people as possible and distance itself from those who are engaged in their oppression.

In the letter, Saakashvili recalled that the Georgian Orthodox Church had undergone a phase of unprecedented strengthening during his period of state leadership. He mentioned the restoration of about 300 churches, among them Bagrati Cathedral, churches in Poti and Nekresi, as well as the introduction of budget financing of the Church and giving state status to the five-cross flag. According to the former President, the Church is a key part of the national identity and needs special protection from external interference.

At the end of his address, the politician emphasized that every citizen of Georgia should see the Church as a «native spiritual support» where there is no place for discrimination. Mikheil Saakashvili expressed confidence that the GOC is obliged to protect people from injustice and provide them with comprehensive support in modern challenges.