The Patriarchate of Georgia issued a statement noting that “hatred has reached its limit, and there is no apparent willingness for bilateral dialogue and discussion” amid ongoing protest rallies.

“Today, along with the protests, hatred reached its limit in the society, there is no readiness for bilateral dialogue and discussion, which would be desirable.

We are witnessing extreme manifestations of hatred. It is a pity that the matter reached occult rituals and an act of quarreling took place. In addition, during the spectacle held in front of the Parliament, the protesters used a coffin on which the image of the Savior was carved. During this performance, the participants of the rally burned the coffin and the image of the Savior on it.

Such activities further polarize society. All of this is intentional blasphemy on the part of those who organized the acts or knowingly engaged in them, and the organizers carry the most responsibility.

These and similar facts remind us of the difficult period of raiding and abuse of churches that we have experienced in our recent past. We think that some of the protestors were ignorant in these actions, however, in all cases, they owe it to them to realize the gravity of these acts and show corresponding remorse.

In order to help the protesters in Kashueti Cathedral, the clergy pray every night, and some of the protesters enter the temple and pray with them. Such rituals near the temple are an intentional provocation and are also disrespectful to believers, regardless of whether they are among the protesters or not.

A Christian person should understand well that fighting cannot be seen as an entertainment spectacle, it separates us from God and we should be careful not to inadvertently become participants in occult services.

Georgia is a country of martyrs for Christianity, and the path that will lead to the trampling of the holy things is disastrous. May the Lord grant us a wise heart, humility and mutual love”, - reads the statement.