In the Georgian Church, an archimandrite has been banned from ministry for slandering the episcopate

The Patriarchate of Georgia announced the temporary suspension of Archimandrite Ilia (Tolorai), cleric of the Patriarchal Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Samtavro). This decision was made in connection with the clergyman’s slanderous and disrespectful statements against one of the bishops and other hierarchs of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

According to Orthodox Times, the measure of restraint was applied based on the recommendation of the diocesan commission and approved personally by Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II.

The decree of the Patriarchate notes that Archimandrite Ilia is forbidden to perform any priestly activity until he demonstrates sincere repentance. Restoration in ministry is possible only after repentance and restoration of respectful attitude to the church hierarchy.

It should be reminded that on July 21, the Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church made a public statement in which for the first time it clearly expressed its concern and disagreement with the course of European integration. The reason for this position was the recent recommendations of the European Union to Georgia, in particular the demand to repeal the legislation protecting the sanctity of the family and restricting LGBT propaganda among minors.