Patriarchate of Georgia Condemns Use of Historic Church as Backdrop for Music Video, Calls for Restoration of Worship Sites in Azerbaijan

 

OCP News Service – 04/08/2024

Tbilisi -Georgia: The Patriarchate of Georgia has strongly condemned the use of the Church of St. George in Kurmukh, located in the Kakh region on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan, as a backdrop for a music video.

The video, which has circulated widely online, shows an Azerbaijani musician performing on an electronic instrument on the pulpit of the historic church. The Patriarchate has expressed deep offense at this act, describing it as a blatant disrespect for the sacred site.

The Church of St. George in Kurmukh holds significant religious and cultural importance for both Orthodox Christians and Muslims. It has also been designated as a historical-cultural monument by the Azerbaijani government.

The Patriarchate has called upon the Azerbaijani government and the spiritual leader, Sheikh Ul-Islam Allah Shukur Pasha-Zade, to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In addition to condemning the misuse of the church, the Patriarchate has reiterated its longstanding call for the restoration of Georgian churches and monasteries in Azerbaijan as active places of worship. The Patriarchate has expressed hope that the Church of St. George in Kurmukh will be reopened for regular Orthodox services.

Source:
OCP News Service