Metropolitan Grigol: “Our task is to unite society once again into a single whole”

The Metropolitan of Poti and Khobi, Grigol, has stated that the primary task facing Georgian society today is to restore unity, emphasizing that this represents one of the most significant challenges for both the Church and the nation.

In his Paschal Epistle, the Metropolitan underlined that, considering the immense legacy of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, it is the duty of society to preserve and further develop the spiritual and intellectual heritage he left behind.

According to Metropolitan Grigol, efforts must be directed toward strengthening the institutional unity and integrity of the Georgian Orthodox Church, improving the education of the clergy, and enhancing their social support.

He noted that despite existing divisions within society, there remains a clear potential for unity.

“Our society has developed a certain divide, which we have so far been unable to overcome. However, overcoming this challenge is our primary task,” the Metropolitan stated.

Reflecting on recent events, he highlighted that the public reaction following the Patriarch’s passing demonstrated the extraordinary authority of Ilia II, which over time transformed into the institutional authority of the Church.

“Today, our task is to unite the entire society once again into a single whole. This places both the Church and the nation before a crucial challenge,” he said.

Metropolitan Grigol stressed that the Georgian people possess a natural capacity for unity, although it requires collective effort to mobilize this strength. He also noted the heightened public interest and expectations surrounding the upcoming Patriarchal elections.

He assured that members of the Holy Synod are fully aware of the responsibility before them.

“By the grace of God, the Church and the Georgian state, within the framework of the constitutional agreement, will ensure the spiritual development of society and the irreversible progress of the country,” he stated.

The Metropolitan called on society to demonstrate Christian virtues, including forgiveness and reconciliation, and to set aside narrow interests in favor of building a strong Georgian state.

He emphasized that the Georgian Orthodox Church will continue to serve as a firm pillar for the country.

Concluding his address, Metropolitan Grigol extended Easter greetings to the faithful, expressing hope that the joy and grace of the Resurrection would fill the hearts and lives of all believers.

“Christ is Risen!” he concluded.