Georgian Patriarchate announces a service in honor of Georgian King Erekle II amid controversies

The Patriarchate of Georgia announced a service in honor of King Erekle II following the controversies over the king’s decision back in 1783 which established the eastern Georgia as a protectorate of the Russian empire.

The Patriarchate said on Wednesday that the service will be conducted on June 4 in Svetitskhoveli Cathedral of Mtskheta.

“Please inform the parishioners, come and pay tribute to the worthy people of our country,” the Patriarchate said.

Writer and former politician Levan Berdzenishvili has criticized the king for his decision which was followed by the backlash from the part of the public, calling Berdzenishvili a traitor and demanding the suspension of his academic activities.