Georgian Patriarchate says Family Purity Day, which coincides with Day Against Homophobia, to be dedicated to peace in Ukraine, world

The Georgian Patriarchate says that the Family Purity Day on May 17, which was established back in 2013 in Georgia after a clash between far-right groups and the supporters of sexual minorities, will be dedicated to peace in Georgia, Ukraine and in the whole world this year.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the Patriarchate reiterated that they are “very much concerned” by Russia’s war in Ukraine “which is terrible and claims the lives of thousands of people, taking away happiness in families.” 

“On May 17, the Day of Protection of Family Purity and Strength, the icon of the All-Holy Mother of God of Atskuri will be brought to Tbilisi which was transported from Turkey on May 11. The icon will be placed in Kashveti church on Tuesday, May 17 where  a service will be conducted, which will be followed by a march of people with sacred icons to the Mother Church of Sioni,” said the Patriarchate. 

The patriarchate stated that  St. David Garejeli’s “Grace Stone” and the holy part of the martyr George will also be displayed in small churches of Sioni. 

As May 17 is also an international Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, police are expected to be present at various locations in Tbilisi to prevent clashes between  far-right groups and those standing by the LGBT+ community.