Mamulashvili: Georgian Church should not allow saint’s name to be used for Russian occupation unit

The Georgian Church’s position is very important, as it should not allow the name of a Georgian saint to be used for an occupation force, Mamuka Mamulashvili, commander of the Georgian National Legion fighting in Ukraine, has said.

He noted the move is aimed at discrediting Georgia and portraying the country as complicit with Russia.

“It is clear that all of this is intended to discredit Georgia and to ensure that Georgia is included in the sanctions list alongside Russia. Given the recent political and European developments, Russia is trying very hard to portray Georgia as an accomplice and co-perpetrator. So the principle is clear,” Mamulashvili said.

According to Russian media reports, a military unit named after Georgian saint Father Gabriel Urgebadze is participating in combat operations on Russia’s side in the war against Ukraine.