Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze: It is categorically unacceptable to use the name of the Venerable Father Gabriel for a military unit - the fact that certain clergy of the Russian Church support this unacceptable use of the name also causes concern and sorrow
The Georgian Orthodox Church distances itself from the use of the name of the Venerable Gabriel the Confessor and Fool-for-Christ for the purpose of justifying or supporting military actions, - this was stated by Archpriest Andria Jaghmaidze, Head of the Public Relations Service of the Patriarchate of Georgia.
Specifically, Andria Jaghmaidze commented on the circulating information according to which a “unit named after Father Gabriel Urgebadze” has been formed within the Armed Forces of Russia.
According to Andria Jaghmaidze, the circumstance that certain clergy of the Russian Church support this unacceptable use of the Venerable Father’s name also causes concern and sorrow.
“First of all, we note that in the Russia-Ukraine war Orthodox people are dying on both sides, which we follow with great heartache. We pray and ask the saints that, through their intercession, the Lord may grant peace to Ukraine, Russia, and the whole world. At such a time, without any consultation with the Georgian Orthodox Church or consideration of its opinion, we suddenly found ourselves faced with an unheard-of fact.
For us it is categorically unacceptable to use the name of the Venerable Father, Archimandrite Gabriel the Confessor and Fool-for-Christ, for a military unit, for the labors and life of the holy father were entirely dedicated to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, to the preaching of love among people and of philanthropy.
The circumstance that certain clergy of the Russian Church support this unacceptable use of the Venerable Father’s name also causes concern and sorrow.
It is evident that the authors of this initiative are poorly acquainted with the life of Saint Gabriel. Against this background, the said action is perceived as biased speculation in the name of the Church.
The Georgian Orthodox Church distances itself from the fact of using the name of the Venerable Gabriel the Confessor and Fool-for-Christ for the purpose of justifying or supporting military actions,” - states Andria Jaghmaidze, whose comment is distributed by “Patriarchate News.”
