Georgian Patriarchate declines bell-ringing request over concerns of political association

The Georgian Orthodox Church has declined a request by opera singer and opposition figure Paata Burchuladze to ring the bells of Tbilisi’s Kashveti Church at dawn on April 9, citing concerns over the politicisation of the gesture.

The Patriarchate said on Tuesday Burchuladze had requested the Catholicos-Patriarch’s blessing on April 6, intending to commemorate those who lost their lives during the tragic events of April 9, 1989. The date marks a national day of remembrance in Georgia, honouring the victims of a Soviet crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.

However, the Church expressed concern that Burchuladze’s recent public announcement of launching a political movement on April 8-9 has shifted the meaning of the request.

“According to Mr. Paata’s latest statement, he announces the launch of his political struggle on April 8–9 and makes appeals in this regard. It seems that the ringing of the bells is also considered in this context by him,” the Patriarchate said.

Emphasising its “commitment to neutrality”, the Patriarchate said “regardless of the positions expressed by individual clergymen, in general, the Church is not and cannot be biased towards any political force. It has the duty to care for its parishioners and, within its capabilities, for the unification of the country.”

Despite the controversy, the Church confirmed that traditional memorial services will proceed on April 9 as in previous years. These will include ceremonies at the April 9 Memorial and services in the St. George Cathedral in Kashveti, along with other churches and monasteries throughout the country.