Georgian Patriarchate unhappy as leader of Russian church congratulates de facto Tskhinvali president on victory

The Georgian Patriarchate has expressed its dissatisfaction as Patriarch Kirill, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, has officially congratulated Alan Gagloev, a newly elected de facto President of Georgia’s Russian-controlled Tskhinvali region on his victory in so-called elections earlier this month. 

The Georgian Patriarchate said on Monday that the Russian Patriarch’s move was “unclear and controversial” as the Russian Church recognizes the jurisdiction of the Georgian Church in the occupied regions, noting that the Georgian church, the government and the international community recognize Georgia’s internationally recognized borders and dubb the administrations there as occupation forces. 

“It is unfortunate that today, when every effort is made to strengthen relations between  Orthodox Churches, steps are being taken that negatively affect the current situation and complicate it,” said the Patriarchate. 

The Tskhinvali de facto government says that they have plans to join Russia. 

Gagloev stated after being “elected “to the position that the issue would be raised as soon as Russia had time for it, referring to Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine.