Shalva Papuashvili to Sophio Khorguani: When you talk about the Georgian Church while we are discussing the Law on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I think you should consider the format and where you are; shouldn’t you be a little ashamed?
“When you talk about the Georgian Church while we are discussing the Law on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I think you should consider the format and where you are. Shouldn’t you be a little ashamed?” Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said, addressing Sophio Khorguani, a member of the For Georgia party.
According to Papuashvili, it is “unworthy speculation” for an MP to use the time allocated for questions during the discussion of a draft law to speak about the Georgian Church.
“Ms. Sophio, when you talk about the Georgian Church during the discussion of the Law on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I think you should consider the format and where you are. You simply need to understand which topics are appropriate in relation to the issue being discussed. Should you really bring up the Church when discussing the Law on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry? You should be a little ashamed. If you have something to say, you can go outside and speak to journalists. Shouldn’t you at least pay attention to the subject under discussion? You are using the question period on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to talk about the Georgian Church? What does one topic have to do with the other? As I understand it, you have no question and wanted to use the time to make a statement. This is called speculation, and unworthy speculation at that,” Papuashvili told Khorguani.
For context, Sophio Khorguani made her remarks about Metropolitan Iob while Parliament was discussing amendments related to the Law on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a plenary session.
She said Metropolitan Iob had become the target of attacks and called on Georgian Dream members to respect the Georgian Orthodox Church and its bishops.
“I would also like to respond to the appalling campaign being waged against a Georgian Orthodox bishop. Ms. Mariam [Lashkhi] has apparently finished fighting the Freemasons and has now turned to Georgian bishops. A member of the Holy Synod, Bishop Metropolitan Iob, has unfortunately become the target of attacks. We respect the Orthodox Church and do not distinguish between bishops based on their views. I call on you to do the same: respect the Georgian Orthodox Church, its bishops and members of the Holy Synod, and refrain from making judgments. Who are you to forgive anyone?” Khorguani said.
It should be noted that, responding to questions about Metropolitan Iob’s statements, Georgian Dream MP Mariam Lashkhi said: “May God forgive him.”
As previously reported, Metropolitan Iob (Akiashvili) of Mroveli and Urbnisi said that Georgia’s current authorities had “exhausted their capabilities.” He made the remarks during a sermon published on the social media page of his diocese.
The Metropolitan said that “the alarm bells must be rung” and that the situation could no longer continue as it was. He noted that, as is customary around the world, governments change, and Georgia should also choose a better government in the future, as national interests are not being felt in the country today.
Metropolitan Iob also described the authorities as lacking faith.
He further spoke about relations between the government and the Church, including what he called an attempt to merge the Church and the government.
