Georgia’s ruling party official warns of efforts to weaken state institutions as Patriarchate official links EU stance change to 2019 LGBT pride issue

Claims regarding attempts to involve the Georgian Orthodox Church in “LGBT propaganda” reflect broader efforts to undermine national institutions in countries that external actors seek to control, said on Monday Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body.

Commenting on statements made by Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze, Kirtskhalia noted that rhetoric directed at the Patriarchate is neither new nor surprising and that similar messages have been voiced publicly by European officials.

“There is no need for additional proof or confirmation. The public can see this live on television and from public statements. They are attacking, have been attacking, and will continue to attack, but this is highly counterproductive for them”, he said.

“As a result of such actions, we see the response from society. The Patriarchate, the Government, society, and our country will always stand upright, meet the moment, and defend our dignity, faith, and identity”, Kirtskhalia concluded.

The comments follow an exclusive interview with Imedi TV, in which Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze said that during closed-door meetings, requests were made for the Georgian Church to assist in promoting LGBT-related messaging.

He claimed that such demands were raised by European representatives, including during a visit by the then Belgian Foreign Minister, as well as in meetings in Brussels with European officials.

According to Jaghmaidze, the Patriarchate rejected these requests.