Cleric temporarily suspended for blessing pro-Russian party office, pro-Kremlin views

Priest Vakhtang Tokhadze, who blessed the office of a pro-Russian Conservative Party office  in western Ozurgeti region yesterday, has been temporarily suspended from priesthood, while the final decision will be made by the eparchy leadership in the coming days, Shemokmedi Eparchy press office has confirmed. 

Local in Ozurgeti Tsisana Khuchua has rented a house as an office to the pro-Russian party, stating that “Russia must win the war in Ukraine.” 

The cleric said after blessing the office that “a connection with Russia is necessary,” and that “atrocities take place during all wars.” 

Grandson of Khuchua has torn down the banners of the pro-Russian party and instead displayed the flags of Georgia and Ukraine, accusing the pro-Russian party of misleading his grandmother “who has some health-related issues.”