Georgian Patriarch takes control over Abkhaz Diocese

Tbilisi, December 22, Interfax – The Georgian Patriarchate announced the transfer of control over the Abkhaz Diocese to the leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

“The Holy Synod has examined a very important issue and made a historical decision: that on the basis of historical documents and the current situation, control over the Tskhum-Abkhaz Diocese be handed over to Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia,” the Patriarchate said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The territory controlled by the diocese covers Abkhazia and part of the Georgian region of Samegrelo.

Meanwhile, Abkhaz cleric Vissarion Aplia said on December 9 that recognition by the Georgian