Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili has been suspended from performing priestly duties, based on a statement released by the Public Relations Service of the Patriarchate of All Georgia.
The decision is based on a decree signed by the Patriarch, which cites “multiple violations of ecclesiastical canonical ethics” as the reason for the suspension.
“Despite prior warnings, the right to perform priestly duties of Archimandrite Dorote (Kurashvili), a clergyman of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi of the Patriarchate of All Georgia, is suspended on the basis of Apostolic Canon 55, due to repeated violations of ecclesiastical canonical ethics,” the decree reads.
The Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service published the decree on its official Facebook page.
Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili has been a controversial figure within the Georgian Orthodox Church in recent years due to his public statements and conduct. He has repeatedly drawn criticism for aggressive rhetoric, inflammatory remarks, and public behavior widely seen as incompatible with clerical ethics. His statements—often made on social media and during sermons—have at times targeted journalists, civil activists, and participants in public protests, prompting strong public backlash.
Patriarchate claims that Kurashvili had previously received warnings regarding violations of ecclesiastical canonical ethics. The decision to suspend him from priestly duties was taken after these warnings were reportedly ignored, with the Patriarchate citing repeated breaches of clerical conduct as grounds for disciplinary action under Apostolic Canon 55.
Image: IPN
