The Patriarchate of Georgia makes the first comment regarding the information about the poisoning of Reverend Shio, Patriarchal locum tenens.

As the head of the press office of the Patriarchate, deacon Andria Jagmaidze, states, they do not have the right to assert the version of poisoning without evidence, although it is not ruled out, "because the substance that was found in Reverend Shio's blood, have been used for poisoning in some cases".

"This needs some evidence, which is entrusted to the special services. Without it, I have no right to assert it. As for the analysis, heavy metals were found in the results of the analysis. We are studying this circumstance and this version also exists, although the basis for proving this should be an investigation. I cannot confirm. Some time ago, the Reverend felt weak and, on the recommendation of the doctors, he underwent tests. After that, about a month has passed, since then we have done various analyses - on the drinking water that the Reverand was taking, the food that he was taking, but there was nothing found, so it requires additional study and search, what could be the reason for this. Since this is still personal information, I don't want to go into details, although the research was done in a highly qualified clinic. The reason for [detection of heavy metals in the blood] can be different, both accidental and interventional. So far, none of the versions have been ruled out, and additional investigations and studies are needed," said Dean Andria Jagmaidze.

According to him, the issue needs to be studied by relevant agencies.

"From time to time, it is necessary to re-check the analyzes and it is necessary for the relevant agencies to carry out an appropriate investigation, so that if there is any chance of outside interference, it can be prevented, eliminated and discovered. The Reverand has not been to the clinic, he feels well, he is working, there was just a period when he felt particularly weak. It is not ruled out [that there is poisoning] because the substance that was found in his blood has been used for poisoning in some cases," said Andria Jagmaidze.

In addition, as the deacon says, there is a possibility that Rev. Shio's alleged poisoning was carried out from outside.

"I can't say whose interests it may be in. Ever since the Reverend was chosen as locum tenens by the Patriarch, there is always a campaign against him and this slanderous, degrading demonization of a person. This campaign is always one of the components of a terrorist act. First, a person is demonized, marginalized, demoralized, and then it is possible that the second stage of his physical destruction will come. In general, this is the stage. The first stage was clear, we could all see it. Therefore, the doubt that it is possible to consider this jointly is a possibility. As for outside intervention, it is not ruled out, although I cannot say this in the affirmative form, because it is the right of people of other competence. Me and the Reverend are thinking about this issue together. There can be a doubt, but doubt is not a fact. Such actions have such a long history, and the people who do them are so skilled in this, the means for this are so advanced that it is very difficult to calculate and take everything into account in advance," said Andria Jagmaidze.

The information about Reverend Shio's alleged poisoning was spread in the media yesterday.