The Georgian Patriarchate has released a statement regarding the recent situation around the Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta.

"As it is known, the current situation around the Jvari Monastery is a step to regulate the activities of street traders. Unfortunately, there is an unenviable situation nearby other monuments of the cultural and spiritual importance.

We understand that people live in poverty and use various ways to find daily bread, but when there are so many tourists and pilgrims in the country, it is awkward Georgia of XXI century to be represented with the similar disorder beside the temples of the past time.

The Patriarchate of Georgia calls on the government, and, first of all, the Ministry of Culture, to take effective steps to civilize activities of the street traders in the areas adjacent to the Church", the statement reads.