Archimandrite suspended from service in Georgian Church for supporting protests

Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili, a clergyman of the Georgian Orthodox Church, has been temporarily suspended from ministry. The decision was signed by Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. The suspension is connected with the archimandrite’s active support of anti-government protesters. This is reported by Radio Liberty.

Kurashvili is known for his support of the protesters, in particular, he held daily prayer services at political rallies near the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue. According to the Tbilisi life Telegram channel, he was previously removed from the post of rector of the Church of the Nativity of Christ the Savior in Kvemo Betlemi in late October and appointed priest of the Patriarchal Church of the Holy Trinity.

The Georgian Orthodox Church explained the ban on Kurashvili’s ministry by “repeated violation of the Church’s canonical ethics.” The norms of the 55th Apostolic Rule were cited to justify the decision.

Commenting on this decision of the Georgian Patriarchate, Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili said that it was made without the relevant commission, but it did not come as a surprise to him. “I will continue to speak not as a priest but as a citizen,” the Georgian service of Radio Liberty quoted him as saying. – This decision will not hinder me. It can only give courage to the government to put me in jail.”

Recall that against the background of the October 4 elections of mayors and municipal council members in Georgia, the Georgian Patriarchate appealed to the clergy to maintain political neutrality. However, despite the official position, many clergy openly side with the opposition forces, which indicates growing tension within the Church and in society.