Following Metropolitan Iob of Ruisi and Urbnisi, another influential hierarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC)—Metropolitan Nikoloz of Kumurdo and Kars—has voiced the need for change in Georgia. At the same time, he expressed concern that shifts in the country could make the situation even worse.
Assessing the current climate, the hierarch emphasized the need to preserve composure and common sense, stating that the clergy should not act as politicians.
“If we look at Georgia’s history, our country has experienced both better and worse circumstances than today. In that sense, there seems to be nothing out of the ordinary or new; therefore, I believe that when assessing the situation, it is best to remain calm and reason as soberly as possible.
Do I see a need for change? Of course, that would be welcome, and not only today. But for a long time, I have been somewhat wary of these changes, lest they lead to a turn for the worse. That is, if changes do occur, they must be positive, and in that regard, it is always crucial.
We are not politicians and should not be politicians, because politics is a profession that requires specialized education. I have never received such training, but in the field where I was educated—theology—I strive to apply my expertise to the fullest and share it with our compatriots, the members of the church,” Metropolitan Nikoloz stated.
Earlier, a video of Metropolitan Iob’s sermon was published on the Ruisi and Urbnisi Eparchy’s Facebook page, in which he sharply criticized the Georgian authorities and clergy, saying that “most of them have become like bureaucrats.”