Georgian authorities want to declare Orthodoxy the state religion

The ruling Georgian Dream party has officially proposed declaring Orthodoxy the state religion. The initiative belongs to the founder of the party, billionaire, former Russian citizen Bidzina Ivanishvili.

"We must consider this proposal in the context that the government wants to further strengthen the role and status of the church," said Patriarchate representative Andria Jagmaidze.

It is known that Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II is against the proposal. In his opinion, Georgia has not reached the right historical moment.

As noted by Father Longinoz Suarishvili, representative of the Press Service of the Patriarchate, the Patriarch had previously been against declaring a state religion, so a constitutional agreement was developed and the status of the church was determined.

Metropolitan of Akhalkalaki and Kumurda Diocese, Archbishop Nikoloz Pachuashvili stated that if Orthodoxy is declared the state religion, the church will not be able to be independent from the state and vice versa. He believes that such a decision will not benefit the country.

Последние новости
Former senator Rauf Arashukov, sentenced to life imprisonment, has requested a transfer to his father's prison colony
Society
Former senator Rauf Arashukov, sentenced to life imprisonment, has requested a transfer to his father's prison colony
18 March 2026

Former Federation Council member Rauf Arashukov from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, serving a life sentence in the Black Dolphin prison colony in Orenburg, expressed a desire to be transferred to a prison colony in Mordovia. The reason for this transfer is the fact that his father, Raul Arashukov, is also serving a life sentence there for stealing gas and organizing two murders.
The defense team for a Crimean Tatar political prisoner suffering from brain cancer is seeking his release
Human rights
The defense team for a Crimean Tatar political prisoner suffering from brain cancer is seeking his release
18 March 2026

The health of political prisoner Tofik Abdulgaziyev, who suffers from brain cancer, tuberculosis, and other serious illnesses, continues to deteriorate. His wife, Aliye Kurtametova, reported that his situation is "extremely critical" and recalled unsuccessful requests for assistance in similar cases.
Four regions of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
Society
Four regions of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared holidays to celebrate Eid al-Fitr
18 March 2026

Eid al-Fitr, one of the key Islamic holidays that concludes Ramadan, will begin on the night of March 19-20. Most republics of the North Caucasus Federal District have declared the holiday non-working.
Azerbaijan reminded Iran of the investigation into the drone attack on Nakhchivan
Politics
Azerbaijan reminded Iran of the investigation into the drone attack on Nakhchivan
18 March 2026

A telephone conversation took place between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Iran, Jeyhun Bayramov and Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. Bayramov insisted that Tehran fulfill its promise to investigate the drone attacks launched from its territory on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.