Georgia Patriarchate distances itself from US-based monasteries after disciplinary action

The Georgian Orthodox Church on Tuesday said it had been informed of a canonical decision taken by Bishop Saba Intskirveli, affecting clergy and monastics linked to three monasteries in the United States.

In a statement released by the Patriarchate’s public relations service, officials said the decision concerns the St. Jacob Monastery, as well as the St. Nino Monastery and the Holy Spirit Monastery.

According to the statement, Bishop Saba reported that the abbots of the monasteries had been defrocked last year, while a prioress was removed from her leadership role. Other members of the monastic communities were barred from receiving Holy Communion, citing what were described as “numerous canonical violations committed before the Church.”

The Patriarchate added that late Patriarch Ilia II had previously been informed of the disciplinary measures in writing by Bishop Saba. A subsequent letter, dated 21 March this year, further alleged that the individuals in question had continued to present themselves as leaders and members of monasteries purportedly under the jurisdiction of the Georgian Church.

Seeking to clarify the situation, the Patriarchate stressed that, in addition to the sanctions outlined by Bishop Saba, the monasteries named were not stavropegial institutions and did not fall under its direct authority.