Eminence Grigol disapproves criticism to Ecumenical Patriarchate for Ukrainian Church’s autocephaly

Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi on Tuesday disapproved of what he said “frequent criticisms and ironic commentaries” directed at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, especially post the Ukrainian Church’s autocephaly. 

Reflecting on a significant chapter in Georgian history, marking the 117th year since the restoration of autocephaly, Eminence Grigol stressed “questioning the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s authority to grant or recognize autocephaly implicitly challenges the legitimacy of the document affirming the autocephaly of the Georgian Church”. 

“Therefore, we must recognize the significance of the tireless efforts of our patriarchs, including the venerable Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, in upholding the sacred autonomy of our church,” he said. 

The cleric emphasized the arduous efforts undertaken by Georgia’s clergy and civilians throughout this period to reclaim the ancient autocephaly of the Georgian cathedral.

“After protracted negotiations with the Most Holy Synod and the Ober-Procurator yielding no favorable outcome, Georgian society and clergy unilaterally declared the restoration of the ancient autocephaly of the Georgian Church. The historic act was solemnized within the sacred confines of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, evoking profound joy amongst the faithful,” he continued. “Although the Russian Church’s acknowledgment of Georgia’s autocephaly was not immediate, it was finally recognized in 1943. Subsequently, in 1990, the Ecumenical Patriarchate officially acknowledged the ancient autocephaly of Georgia.”