Outspoken Georgian Orthodox Cleric Suspended From Performing Priestly Duties
Archimandrite Dorote Kurashvili, a Georgian Orthodox cleric known for his outspoken criticism of both the ruling Georgian Dream party and senior church leadership, has been suspended from performing priestly duties, according to a decision issued December 15 by the Georgian Patriarchate.
The order signed by Patriarch Ilia II states that “the cleric of the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, Archimandrite Dorotheos (Kurashvili), despite warnings, due to repeated violations of ecclesiastical canonical ethics, shall have the right to perform priestly duties suspended.”
The decision was adopted a day before Kurashvili was due to appear before a diocesan commission on December 16, marking what would have been his second summons. Instead, the Patriarchate moved to suspend him on December 15.
“They decided in advance to punish me,” Kurashvili said in his media remarks after the announcement. “What happened, I cannot even say […] Conducting a prayer service is not what matters to them now; what matters is somehow making the public believe that I am an enemy of the Church and that I have been excommunicated.”
The suspension follows earlier disciplinary measures taken against Kurashvili. On October 29, the Patriarchate removed him from his position as head priest of the Lower Betlemi Savior’s Nativity Church citing “disciplinary and moral violations,” alleging, among others, defamatory conduct deemed inappropriate for a priest.
Kurashvili has repeatedly criticized Georgian Dream policies and what he describes as “systemic injustice” and repression, both in sermons and public appearances. He has openly supported ongoing anti-government protests and has regularly taken part in daily demonstrations in Tbilisi. He has also accused the Georgian Orthodox Church of acting under political pressure.
Kurashvili is not the only cleric to face sanctions after criticizing the government. On November 11, the Church barred Archimandrite Ilia Toloraia, another outspoken critic of Georgian Dream and church hierarchy, from performing priestly duties until he “demonstrates sincere repentance.”
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