This is the expression of language of blackmail and psychological violence in order to make the Georgian Church accept the decision, which is desirable for Russian Orthodox Church, - said Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi while assessing the statement of Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev, head of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Grigol said in his interview with the “Voice of America” he believes that the Georgian Church will make a reasonable decision based on canonical law.

"This is the expression of language of blackmail and psychological violence in order to make the Georgian Church accept the decision, which is desirable for Russian Orthodox Church. Alfeyev is not a private person and he has voiced the position of the Russian Church. This issue is not closed, the process of discussion is going on not only in our, but in other churches there are different opinions. I believe that we will eventually adopt a reasonable decision based on the canonical law that will not promote development of a new great schism in the Orthodox Church, "said Archbishop Grigol.

Hilarion Alfeyev, head of the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Orthodox Church, said last week that "the Georgian Church can not recognize the autocephaly of Ukraine, because Tbilisi realizes the threat facing Georgia if it makes such decision.