Bidzina ivanishvili, the leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party (GD), says that if Georgian Dream is able to win the elections with a majority constitutional, the role of Orthodox Church of Georgia in the Constitution will be “more accurately” reflected. Ivanishvili made this announcement in Guria at a meeting of party supporters where he once again spoke through bulletproof glass.
Georgian Dream spoke last week to the Church and proposed to declare Orthodoxy the state religion. It would include this in its election program. The Church rejected their proposal.
The Constitution of Georgia recognizes the unique role of the Orthodox church in the history of Georgia. There is also a constitutional agreement that exists between the Church and state. The Orthodox Church considers this to be the best way of establishing relations with the State.
The Constitution of Georgia currently says:
Article 8 Article 8. The relationship between the State of Georgia, the Apostolic Autocephalous Church of Georgia, and the international law principles and norms in the area of human rights and liberties are determined by the constitution agreement.
Ivanashvili, however, said in Guria this was not enough.
“In order to strengthen the constitutional status of Orthodoxy, and the Orthodox church, and to better reflect the reality of today’s Georgian state in the Constitution of Georgia, the mission of Orthodoxy is clearly reflected as a pillar of Georgian identity. Ivanishvili also said that the Orthodox Church’s special role in the history of Georgia, and the modernity of Georgia will be highlighted.
He announced that the Constitution of Georgia will reflect Orthodoxy, as “a pillar of the Georgian State’s Identity.”
The GD Chair noted Georgia’s proud history of centuries-long tradition, Orthodoxy, and religious tolerance.
Ivanishvili said that the Constitution of Georgia would reflect Orthodoxy, as a pillar of Georgian identity, in order to strengthen the status of Orthodoxy, and the Georgian Orthodox church. “This will also highlight Georgia’s unique history and modernity, as well as the Orthodox Church’s special role in it,” Ivanishvili noted.
“The Constitution of Georgia will reinforce the principle of Orthodox Church independence and freedom of belief.
“I would also like to thank His Holiness, Beatitude, and the clergy, for their support of our initiative and, in general, their contribution to protecting and preserving Georgian identity,” he said.
Andria Jakhmaidze, head of the Public Relations Department in the Georgian Orthodox Church, said that the government had proposed declaring Orthodoxy the state religion. However, the exact formulation wasn’t finalized, and he said it would take some time for the GOC to consider the issue.
Georgian Dream must get at least 113 out of 150 mandates, or 75%, to achieve a constitutional majority. Georgian Dream never received such support at an election. Dream has promised the population that it will also ban the main opposition parties.
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