Lela Jejelava: Bishop Iobi’s sermon proved to be a litmus test that put an end to the myth of Georgian Dream’s deep religious faith and its commitment to defending Orthodoxy

“Bishop Iobi’s sermon proved to be a litmus test that put an end to the myth of Georgian Dream’s deep religious faith and its commitment to defending Orthodoxy,” political analyst Lela Jejelava said on PalitraNews’ program Resume.

According to Jejelava, as soon as Georgian Dream encountered its first opposition from the Church, its true attitude became apparent.

“There are certain things that even Bidzina Ivanishvili’s firm hand cannot interfere with, and this is precisely the situation we are witnessing now. For all these years, I too have spoken about the unhealthy relationship between the state and the Church. We discussed it, but those discussions did not carry the same weight they have acquired now, when one of the most influential members of the clergy began speaking about the issue.

Georgian Dream needs the Church as an instrument of manipulation, not as a value in itself. And as soon as they encountered the first opposition from the Church, their true attitude towards it became clear.

Now they are claiming that Bishop Iobi has allegedly occupied more territory than Russia. They should calculate how much territory others have occupied. Bidzina Ivanishvili has decided that everything in this country belongs to him, including the Church and its Holy Synod, and this is where he has made a serious mistake,” Jejelava said.

For context: During a sermon, Metropolitan Iobi (Akiashvili) of Mroveli and Urbnisi stated that Georgia’s current government had “fully exhausted its capabilities.”

In his lengthy sermon, the clergyman said that “the alarm bells must be rung” and that the current situation could no longer continue. He noted that, just as governments change in other countries around the world, Georgia should also choose a better government in the future, as national interests are not being reflected in the country today.

Metropolitan Iobi also described the government as lacking faith.

Because of these remarks, Metropolitan Iobi became the target of insults and attacks from certain individuals, including Lasha Natsvlishvili.