Tea TATENASHVILI
2020 was unusual for entire world. Corona Virus was announced as a pandemic by the World Health Organization and it became the key challenge for the world.
Unexpectedly pandemic changed a political, economic, social life, it also put the issue of changing religious rituals up on the agenda. It made a dramatic change, changing not only lifestyle thoroughly but also it influenced public values and fundamental principles.
Georgia, as the part of the global space was not able to avoid the problem. In order to prevent dissemination of the virus, Georgian government closed the borders of Georgia for the foreign citizens, it announced the emergency condition, closed trading facilities, stopped functioning of the enterprises, enforced curfew, prohibited gathering of more than three people and set charges for violation of the rule.
For prevention of the virus, different confessions were forced to introduce changes in their services. Georgian Orthodox Church was an exception together with several churches of the world (Poland, Greece, Serbia). The patriarch of Georgia decided not to change the service rule despite high risk. It became the reason for excitement and criticism of clergymen, theologists, politicians and citizens in general. There were different positions and opinions inside the church itself, among the clergymen. The society had different opinions regarding the fact. This step made by the church was evaluated by some people as anti-social and anti-human decision. In the country, where the belief and traditions are closely connected, change of eucharist rule and close churches for the prayers are very sensitive issue. This is why due to respect to the Georgian church and Synod, as well as for high interest of the society, we decided to learn problem deeper. Actually, the following questions were asked, like what was the cause for the decision? Why the opinion of the churchmen, as well as parish and society were divided? What is the role of the state in solution of such problem?
The article is focused on two key problems, one is receiving eucharist by the same spoon and the issue of social distance in the churches. In order to learn the issue deeper we got known with the opinion of the clergymen and theologist.
The Goal of the Study: Objective assessment of the latest developments, understanding relationship between the state and the church, analyzing the issue of freedom of belief.
The Methodology of the Study: The study is mainly based on the historical study method: description, comparative-historical method, empirical analysis, causal-historical analysis. Observation of the publications, analysis of the statements and opinions of the Patriarch of Georgia and high-ranking officials of the Patriarchate, as well as state officials, the representatives of the opposition parties, checking of the disseminated information and sources detecting method. Analysis of the governmental and opposition TV data and official versions.
Key Words: Orthodox Church of Georgia, State, Pandemic, Corona Virus, Patriarchy
