We deeply regret that, despite the call of the Church, the demonstration on Rustaveli Avenue on November 30 turned into a serious confrontation - the tense situation is causing confrontation and posing a threat to the peaceful coexistence of citizens, - this is stated in the statement of the Patriarchate of Georgia.

As the Patriarchate explains, the footage distributed in the media and on social networks clearly shows actions that went beyond the boundaries of legality and morality.

“We deeply regret that, despite the call of the Church, the demonstration on Rustaveli Avenue on November 30 turned into a serious confrontation. The footage distributed in the media and on social networks clearly shows actions that went beyond the boundaries of legality and morality.

The tense situation is causing confrontation and posing a threat to the peaceful coexistence of citizens.

Those standing on both sides are dear to us and we pray for them; We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. In addition, we once again ask young people, and demonstrators in general, to show common sense and respect the boundaries of protest; we also ask law enforcement officers to show maximum patience and not to go beyond the limits of legal action; and the state must conduct a quick and timely investigation of violations, their objective assessment and public awareness.

No matter how great a value we strive for, we must not forget that man is the image of God and a similar and most dignified creature in this world.

Let us ask the Most Holy Theotokos to protect her allotted Georgia with peace,” the statement reads.