Ukrainian FM says Georgian Church will recognize independence of Ukrainian Church
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Tuesday, February 12
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin believes that recognition of the independence of the Ukrainian Church by Georgia is “a matter of time,” the Voice of America writes.
“This is a matter of time. We believe that we will gradually gain recognition from all Orthodox Churches,” he said.
Klimkin recalled his “very warm meeting” with Georgian Patriarch Ilia II.
“He told me that Ukraine should have its autocephalous church-“you have to work to this day yourselves, but you have to fight for it," said Klimkin.
The Georgian church has not yet made its decision regarding the independence of the Ukrainian church from Russia.
However, top Georgian politicians have already commented on the issue.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said that that Georgia is happy about each step which strengthens the statehood of Ukraine, its independence and sovereignty.
“We are gladdened by and welcome any step that strenghtens the statehood, independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. This is not only welcomed in [our] declarations but confirmed by [our] actions”.
As for sending an official congratulatory letter to Kiev, Foreign Minister Zalkaliani explained that this decision should be made within the Georgian Orthodox Church and it is unacceptable for the state to interfere in the Church’s affairs.
“I would like to very clearly state that the Georgian Orthodox Church is reviewing this question. Considering the canonical processes, the attitude towards the [issue] should first be determined by the Orthodox Church of Georgia. Regarding the state, it is not interfering in the activity of the Church," said Zalkaliani.
He stated that Ukraine is the strategic partner of Georgia.
“I would like to state that our support to Ukraine is expressed not only in declarations but also in United Nations formats, where Georgia has initiated numerous resolutions jointly with Ukraine,” he said.
Vice Prime Minister Maia Tskitishvili also stated that she welcomed the independence of the Ukrainian church from the Russian.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Epifaniy, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, attended a signing ceremony marking the new Ukrainian Orthodox church's independence on 5 January in Istanbul, Turkey.
The decision has been grilled by Russia, who was strongly against the step.
