Parliamentary majority member slams top cleric for criticizing Orthodox state religion initiative

Guram Macharashvili, a member of the parliamentary majority who represents People’s Power party with anti-Western sentiments, on Friday criticized Metropolitan Nikoloz Pachuashvili for his critical remarks over the ruling Georgian Dream party’s initiative to declare Orthodoxy as the state religion.

Eminence Nikoloz dismissed the proposal as a tactic to gain voter support ahead of the October 26 general elections the previous day.

Macharashvili took to social media to express his disappointment, arguing the proposal was “essential” for protecting the Church and its influence within Georgian society, and criticized the cleric for what he described as an ethical and moral failing.

“It is disappointing that a high-ranking clergyman would mock efforts to enhance the Church’s role at a constitutional level”, he said.

The Georgian Parliament says it is discussing the proposal.