Patriarch Ilia II Calls for Unity in Prayer
On December 13, the Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, made a statement asking Georgians to come together in prayer. He urged them to protect peace in the country and its sovereignty.
The statement does not mention police violence or government repression directly. It seems to be trying to share blame equally among all parties involved.
Ilia II says that hatred will not help Georgia achieve its national goals. When talking about the country’s European path, he calls it a way to develop based on Christian and traditional values. This is similar to what the ruling party, GD, has said in the past.
The Patriarch notes that recent events show how important it is for all Georgians to take responsibility for keeping peace in the country. He says people should distance themselves from violence and understand that it threatens Georgia’s statehood and sovereignty.
Ilia II wants a constructive dialogue between parties to avoid “uncontrollable processes”. He says the main problem in Georgia today is that people have become distant from God. This has led to hate speech and physical attacks, which are considered “deadly sins”.
The Patriarch stresses that hatred will not help achieve national goals. He prays for Georgians to receive a wise and humane heart. He asks people to pray together for the country’s prosperity.
Finally, Ilia II blesses the clergy to ring church bells every day at 1:00 p.m. They are asked to hold a prayer service for the Blessed Virgin Mary.