On December 7, a historic march was held in Tbilisi: representatives of all major confessions in Georgia protested against violence and torture directed at peaceful protesters, holding a banner “Together, for True Peace.”
Maisi.News spoke with some of them. On December 1, we shared an interview with Father Giorgi Tserodze, who also participated in the December 7 march. This time, we offer an interview with Hieromonk Leon Gelovani, a priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church:
“We are together to protect human dignity and freedom. Today our main mission is not only moving towards Western civilization but protecting those fundamental Christian values that teach us love, freedom, and dignity. We stand beside those who are oppressed, tortured, and we fight for Georgia’s future to be free, just and united.”
1. What is your main message as a clergyman today? Why are you here?
“My message as a Christian priest has significantly changed today. If earlier we talked about connections with Western civilization, today our main message is “no to torture.” In recent days, we see that people around us are being treated cruelly – not only arrested but also tortured. The international community and non-governmental organizations have already assessed this situation.
We believe these events come as a result of distancing from Western civilization. We are moving not towards good, but towards visible evil. That’s why we are coming out to support those who have become victims of cruel treatment and to stand beside the defenders of Georgia’s future.”
2. In your assessment, what should a state be like where Christianity holds special significance?
“A state whose main foundation is Christianity should protect two main principles: love and freedom. When love reigns, you no longer need defense.
Christianity teaches us that “if a person is not free and is a slave, they cannot be a good Christian.” Christ tells us: “You are not my slaves, you are my friends.” That’s why we need freedom of choice – to decide for ourselves which side we should be on.”
3. Father Leon, I want to ask you about clergy: Recently we’ve been hearing various assessments and opinions from high-ranking clergy members from the pulpit. What do you say about the messages they offer to society?
“You know what should be a clergyman’s main call from the pulpit today? First and foremost, they should express support for the oppressed and tortured people. Those clergy who use the pulpit with double standards to condemn violence – which is especially relevant today and directly relates to political narratives – are making a mistake. This is a critically important issue because it’s impossible to equally assess an armed aggressor who tortures and oppresses others, and the actions of those who themselves experience violence.
A clergyman’s main calling should be protecting truth, justice, and Christian values. They must be able to realize that true spirituality means unconditional compassion for those who most need protection and support. This is the main essence of Christian teaching – to be a voice for those who have no voice, to be a defender of those who are defenseless.”
4. We’ve also heard various assessments about school students’ participation in protests, what would you say to them?
“Everyone, including school students, should be able to think independently. They receive education to use their own minds and have opinions. It’s understandable that for safety purposes, it’s important they’re not on the front lines of protest. However, let’s not forget that during the April 9 events {1989, Massacre of Tbilisi}, school students were there too, and we owe them that we still live in an independent country today. This achievement needs protection from all thinking people today.”
5. You mentioned April 9, and I want to ask you to assess Russia’s role in relation to the Georgian state and church from a historical perspective.
“In recent centuries, history shows that Russia carried out systematic actions to fully conquer and subjugate Georgia. Its strategy was not only to conquer territories but to fully control the church. Russia’s main goal was to put the Georgian church under its grip, which would allow it to fully conquer Georgian statehood. The church represented that strategic value, by conquering which it would be possible to completely destroy Georgian spiritual resistance. We are well aware of the heroic path of many clergy members, including high hierarchs and believing Christians, who sacrificed themselves in the fight against Russia. It is because of their sacrifice that the Georgian church has the autocephaly it has today. Even today, I believe that the Georgian church’s main duty is to resist Russia’s imperial aspirations. Because if the church is not independent, it will be difficult for the state to maintain its independence. April 9 was one of the most acute manifestations of that bloody history when the Soviet regime violently tried to break the Georgian spirit but couldn’t. We are obligated to protect the freedom gained at the cost of blood.”
6. Today’s march includes representatives of various religious confessions. Share with us what is the significance and purpose of today’s meeting?
“Today, Georgians most lack and need unity – precisely that spiritual unity which is the guarantee of our country’s survival and progress. Our meeting is symbolic and demonstrates how important it is for various religious and social groups to unite around a common goal. Our desire was to show society that despite our differences – be it religious beliefs, philosophical views, or social background – we can stand together for the country’s future.
This is our real strength – unity in diversity, solidarity in difference. Today’s gathering confirms that we can have different views but unite forces for Georgia’s better future.
The most important message today is that our differences should not separate us but unite us. This is the essence of true solidarity – to respect each other’s differences and together care for our country’s future.”
Reporter: Koka Jakhutashvili
