The Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate has issued a strong statement condemning an act of sacrilege against Jvari Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most revered religious landmarks.
In its official announcement, the Patriarchate expressed deep sorrow over what it described as an offensive act committed by foreign nationals or a foreign national. The statement emphasized that this was not only an affront to the Church but also an insult to the entire country.
Reports indicate that the individual(s) responsible may still be in Georgia, prompting calls for personal retaliation from some quarters. However, the Church firmly rejected such actions, stressing that vigilante justice is unacceptable.
Additionally, the Patriarchate has formally requested the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate the incident and take appropriate legal action. The statement underscores the Church’s commitment to ensuring that the facts are established with certainty and that due process is followed in addressing the violation.
The Jvari Monastery, located in Mtskheta, is a revered site of Georgian Christianity and a symbol of national heritage. Any act of desecration against it is viewed as an attack on the country’s spiritual and cultural identity.
