New appeal by His Holiness and Beatitude Iliya II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, on the situation in the republic
1.12.2003 · English, Архив 2003
NEW APPEAL BY HIS HOLINESS AND BEATITUDE ILIYA II, CATHOLICOS-PATRIARCH OF ALL GEORGIA, ON THE SITUATION IN THE REPUBLIC
His Holiness and Beatitude Iliya II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, made an appeal to the nation on November 22, 2003, with regard to the political upheaval which has led to the resignation of President Eduard Shevardnadze and the opposition take-over. The primatial appeal states in particular:
“A very grievous situation has developed in Georgia We have learnt from the press and television that the developments may end in bloodshed.
I appeal to all: the authorities, the opposition and every one to restrain yourselves by all means from using arms. It should be remembered that those who will use arms against our brothers and sisters will be responsible before God and the people, and this grave sin will pass on to their descendants. I believe, a way out can still be found, there is still an opportunity for settling problems facing Georgia by peaceful means…
May the Lord bless all Georgia!
May God grant integrity to the Georgian people and the country!”
The appeal by the Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church was made on the eve of the national commemoration of St. George the Conqueror.
The Georgian Patriarchate in its press-release made this appeal: “the Church asks all, considering the situation, to restrain from using it for political purposes. The Church will do everything to unite
See also: