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Clergyman calls on parish to reject parties that support LGBT rights and criticize church

Father Shalva Kekelia, the head priest of the Transfiguration Church in Vake, Tbilisi, urged his parishioners to carefully consider their values when casting their votes in the upcoming October 26 elections. In a passionate address, he called on religious voters to avoid supporting political parties that disrespect the church, turn a blind eye to LGBT propaganda, or undermine traditional family values.

“I’m speaking directly to those who see themselves as members of the church…How can you give your vote to parties whose leaders insult your patriarch, criticize the church, and disregard the sanctity of the family? For believers, the choice should be clear,” said Father Kekelia. ”

The clergyman emphasized that the decision of whom to support in the elections should be based on an evaluation of each party’s stance toward the church, faith, and the nation’s moral fabric. He explained that his participation in the 2012 elections was driven by a moral imperative. He believed that the country was facing a “great evil” back then, marked by violence, oppression, and abuses in prisons, which made it necessary for him to cast a vote to end the “darkness” gripping the country. He now feels the same urgency in 2024, citing a crucial moment for the nation’s future.

“For me, this is a decisive moment. What we are seeing today is immense pressure on the country, both from inside and outside. There’s no question that Georgia is facing serious challenges,” he noted, highlighting that „only love of god can save Georgia.”

Though Father Kekelia refrained from endorsing a specific political party, his message to churchgoers was clear: parties that promote LGBT rights or fail to respect religious institutions should not receive the support of devout Christians. He urged the faithful to be vigilant about the moral values of those they elect.

“Voting is a personal decision, but we all must bear responsibility for the choices we make,” the priest said.

“God will guide you to make the right choice if your heart is in the right place. Our country has always stood firm in its Christian faith, and it is this faith that will save us,” he stated.

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