Georgian Church Opposes EU Integration for the First Time

On July 21, the Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church issued a public statement in which it clearly voiced its concern and opposition to the country’s current course toward European integration. The reason for this position lies in the recent recommendations issued by the European Union to Georgia, particularly the demand to repeal laws that protect the sanctity of the family and restrict LGBT propaganda among minors. The statement was published on the official website of the Church’s Public Relations Department.

The Church’s statement emphasized that such EU demands have caused serious concern both within Georgian society and among the faithful of the Orthodox Church. “These recommendations include provisions that directly or indirectly call for the repeal of laws aimed at protecting minors from LGBT propaganda,” the statement reads. The Patriarchate stressed that such approaches contradict not only Christian doctrine but also the verbal and written assurances repeatedly made by European diplomats during meetings with Georgian church leaders.

The Church recalled that for many years, EU representatives consistently stated that Georgia’s integration into European structures would not involve the promotion of a non-traditional way of life. These assurances were made during official meetings with Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia and are preserved in official recordings.

“The will of the Georgian people is to protect Christian and traditional family values. A European choice can only be made under the condition that teachings contrary to God’s laws are not imposed on the country,” the statement says.

The Patriarchate also noted that the legislation protecting family values and minors from LGBT propaganda was widely supported by the faithful and that the Church had previously expressed gratitude to the government for its adoption. In the view of the clergy, such laws remain fully relevant today, particularly amid the ongoing moral and cultural crisis in Europe.

“Unfortunately, the latest EU recommendations openly contradict the principles upheld by the majority of Georgians. They raise doubts about whether the protection of traditional values is compatible with the country’s path toward Europe,” the document states.

Earlier it was reported that the Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Ilia II, received newly elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili at his residence. The head of state came to receive a blessing before officially assuming his duties.