Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, Head of the Patriarchate’s Public Relations Service, explains why journalists from the TV channels TV Pirveli and Formula were not granted accreditation. Journalists from the TV channels TV Pirveli and Formula were denied accreditation and permission to attend the Svetitskhovloba festival on October 14.

“This decision stems from the fact that representatives of these channels—despite repeated warnings—have for years systematically violated the internal regulations governing the church grounds during major religious holidays; they have repeatedly left the designated media area without authorization and created an atmosphere unsuitable for divine service.

Unfortunately, we have frequently witnessed journalists from these channels attempting to divert public attention away from the true essence of the holiday and toward artificially created confrontations. Consequently, the spiritual significance of the celebration is overshadowed, and the festive atmosphere—which draws thousands of believers together—is diminished.

We would like to remind the public of an incident that occurred during the Svetitskhovloba festival on October 14, 2025. The attached video footage was filmed by TV Pirveli and it clearly reflects the circumstances that also served as the basis for the aforementioned decision.

I would like to emphasize once again that the purpose of the restriction is not to hinder media activities, but rather to ensure the church holiday takes place in a peaceful atmosphere and to uphold liturgical order and the interests of the pilgrims," ​​ Andria Jagmaidze writes on social media.