New Patriarch may raise issue of detained citizens during anti-gov’t protests, Metropolitan Ilarion

Metropolitan Ilarion of Mestia and Zemo Svaneti has said the issue of releasing detained citizens during anti-government protests in previous years could be reconsidered under the new Patriarch, adding that he would support such a move.

Speaking during the enthronement ceremony of Shio III at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, the Metropolitan said he believed the newly elected Patriarch would lead the Georgian Orthodox Church “with wisdom and prudence”.

He also noted that the election of Catholicos-Patriarchs traditionally takes place at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, describing it as an established rule of the Church.

Commenting on the issue of detained citizens, Metropolitan Ilarion said he did not have detailed information, but believed the matter might be reviewed.

“The new Patriarch will raise this issue. I will support it,” he said.

The enthronement ceremony of Shio III, the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, is currently underway at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.