Congratulation of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia to the so-called South Ossetia's president over his victory in so-called elections is unclear against the background of the fact that the Russian Church recognizes the jurisdiction of the Georgian Church on the territory of "South Ossetia," - reads the statement issued by the Georgian Patriarchate.

According to the Patriarchate, it is unfortunate that when every attempt to strengthen relations between the Orthodox Churches is paramount, steps are taken that negatively affect and complicate the current situation.

"The congratulation of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia was spread on the official website of the Moscow Patriarchate to the so-called South Ossetia's president over his victory in so-called elections. The mentioned letter of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia raises misunderstandings, because: a) The Russian Church recognizes the jurisdiction of the Georgian Church on the territory of so-called South Ossetia; b) The Georgian Church, the Georgian state and the international community also recognize the internationally recognized borders of Georgia, and consider the administrations operating in the occupied territories as an occupation regime. It is unfortunate that today, when every attempt to strengthen relations between the Orthodox Churches is paramount, steps are taken that negatively affect and complicate the current situation," the Patriarchate said in a statement.