Georgian Patriarchate condemns insults directed at Eminence Iobi

The Georgian Orthodox Church's Patriarchate has condemned insulting remarks directed at Metropolitan Iobi following his criticism of the government, saying such language is incompatible with Christian values and shows disrespect towards the Church.

Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, head of the Patriarchate's Public Relations Service, made the statement in a social media post on Thursday.

He said that some of the comments made about Metropolitan Iobi following his recent sermon had gone far beyond the boundaries of Christian morality and acceptable language.

"Addressing a person with insulting words is unacceptable for a Christian, whoever the recipient may be," Jagmaidze wrote.

He added that people were entitled to express their opinions, including criticism, but should do so in a respectful and reasoned manner, without resorting to personal insults.

The controversy follows a sermon delivered on 10 November by Metropolitan Iobi of the Ruisi and Urbnisi Diocese, in which he sharply criticised the Georgian government.

The senior cleric described the authorities as "unbelieving" and said the ruling team had exhausted its potential. He also accused the government of seeking to undermine the independence of the Church through financial dependence and closer ties between religious and state institutions.