Holy Synod dismisses Metropolitan Petre from his position after scandalous accusations against Patriarch Ilia II
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Friday, November 1
During yesterday’s Holy Synod meeting of the Georgian Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church, Bishop Petre Tsaava, Metropolitan of Chkondidi, was dismissed from his position. He left the meeting before the end of the session, saying that the Patriarch had revoked his title. Petre called the decision unfair and said that it was made after he exposed “pederasty in church.”
Answering reporters’ questions who he was referring to, Tsaava said that “the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the chairman of the Synod, is seized by the sin of pederasty.”
“Today the Holy Synod has made an unprecedented decision, personally the Patriarch, the Chairman of the Synod, I think made a totally unfair decision,” said Tsaava.
Petre said in an interview with the Main Channel that the October 31 synod session was the “Pilate's court.” He noted that he is ready to prove his every statement.
"I told the Patriarch that he was an unconditional idol created by people, but I said that I love the Lord Jesus Christ first, then my homeland, and then him. I cannot put him ahead of God and my homeland,” stressed Tsaava.
As Petre said with Rustavi 2, he wanted to bring those who are “the victims of the sin” at the meeting. “I have every recourse to do this, sadly, there are many victims, who, even today, are still trying to heal.”
Metropolitan Nikoloz of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo said that during the Holy Synod meeting, Petre behaved inappropriately and the members of the Synod had to force him out of the meeting room. Tsaava denied this comment and said that he left the room himself.
According to Nikolaz, Bishop Grigol of Tsalka was appointed at Petre’s position.
According to Metropolitan Stephane of Tsageri and Lentekhi, Petre’s "hysterics" led to his dismissal from the position. Reporters inquired whether the Patriarch had explained the reason for his decision, as Stephane said, Patriarch was insulted and had nothing to explain.
European Georgia leader Gigi Ugulava says the problem is not homosexuality, but the attitude that church representatives have towards minorities in the name of God.
"The church should discuss and stop dividing members of society in different ways. It seems to be at least hypocritical and unacceptable from the standpoint of the modern world," said Ugulava.
As hegunemia Tamar Gamkrelidze said, “everyone in the eparchy knew about the things Petre said today.” According to her, Petre was repeatedly asking Ilia II to react to this “immorality.” As she says, Tsaava also talked to many other priests, “but nobody took his side.”
During yesterday’s meeting, several other issues were also discussed. Including the issue of archbishop Jacob, who accused government officials of trying to get rid of Ilia II. As Metropolitan Nikoloz said, Jacob asked for forgiveness, and, for now, he stays in the Holy Synod.
The Metropolitan of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo explained that the Synod discussed the issue of pardoning Archbishop Giorgi Mamaladze. According to him, if the president pardons Archbishop Giorgi Mamaladze, his actions will be assessed from the church's point of view. Metropolitan Nikoloz noted that the Synod did not discuss the issue of the autocephaly of Ukraine. According to him, the Synod decided to increase the number of sessions during the year.
