The Georgian Orthodox Church has reassigned Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili, a priest known for his outspoken criticism of both church leadership and the ruling party, following a disciplinary review that found him guilty of “important disciplinary and moral violations.”
The decision, approved by Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, removes Kurashvili from his post as head priest of the Church of the Nativity — known locally as Kvemobethlemi — and transfers him to the Holy Trinity Lavra under the Patriarchate’s direct authority.
The Mtskheta–Tbilisi Eparchial Commission reached its decision on October 29 without Kurashvili’s participation. He arrived at the Patriarchate earlier that day but refused to enter the hearing after his request for media access was denied. Church officials called the demand “unprecedented and unacceptable,” emphasizing that disciplinary sessions are strictly internal.
In its statement, the commission cited “slanderous statements” and “behaviour incompatible with clerical dignity” as grounds for the reassignment. Kurashvili, however, insists the move is politically driven.
“I will stay as I am; if they defrock me or not, both outcomes will be my victory,” he told reporters after the decision. “I am fighting the Russian regime, fighting those who have seized Georgia and the Georgian Church. I am being judged by Bidzina Ivanishvili and Russia — they found no ecclesiastical deviation in my words.”
The Patriarchate had summoned Kurashvili following a series of televised interviews in which he accused senior clergy — including Metropolitan Shio, the Patriarch’s locum tenens, and Deacon Andria Jagmaidze — of acting in the interests of the Georgian Dream government. He also charged Metropolitan Stepane with promoting “heretical teaching” tied to anti-European narratives.
“They hide it and do not mention Metropolitan Shio’s name, but he has been tasked with punishing me,” Kurashvili alleged. “Andria Jagmaidze has neither the right nor the ability to judge me.”
Deacon Jagmaidze, head of the Patriarchate’s public-relations office, confirmed that media access to the disciplinary process “is not under consideration,” reiterating that such reviews concern internal ecclesiastical discipline rather than public debate.
Kurashvili previously skipped an earlier hearing, earning a “strict warning” from the Church. He maintains that the proceedings reflect growing political influence within Church structures and says he will continue to “fight for Georgia’s European path.”
The dispute has become a flashpoint in Georgia’s ongoing conversation about the role of the Church in politics, freedom of expression among clergy, and the country’s orientation between Europe and Russia.
By Team GT
