The Patriarchate of Georgia has responded to reports circulating on social media and in the press alleging that on October 14, during the feast of Svetitskhovloba/Mtskhetoba, the Divine Liturgy at the Samtavro Monastery was celebrated in Russian.
According to the Patriarchate’s clarification, the service in Georgian was led by Metropolitan David (Makharadze) of Alaverdi. Concelebrating with him was a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Georgiy of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas.
The Patriarchate explained that, under established ecclesiastical tradition, foreign clergy may recite certain prayers in their native tongue with the blessing of the local church hierarchy.
“In such cases, as a sign of respect, foreign clergy are permitted to recite a particular litany or exclamation in their native language,” the statement reads.
The Patriarchate noted that this is common practice across Orthodox churches, and Georgian clergy abroad also make use of this opportunity.
“The Divine Liturgy was not conducted in Russian at the Samtavro Monastery, and the circulated reports do not correspond to reality,” the Patriarchate underscored, adding that the service was held in Church Slavonic, which, in addition to Russia, is also used in other Local Orthodox Churches.
