Georgian Patriarch on abortion, surrogacy, and same-sex marriage

The Patriarch of Georgia Ilia IIhas wished a Merry Christmas to all Georgians living in the country and abroad.

In his Christmas Epistle, the Patriarch focused on issues such as "mega challenges facing Christianity in the era of post-modernism." "The main essence of post-modernism lies in the fact that the vision of reality, which is based on a particular religion, is considered as wrong, the religious leader said.

He believed the equalization of same-sex relations to the relationship between man and woman was the main manifestation of the crisis. However, he recognised that Georgia was a part of Europe, which had a different development process and culture.

"Despite the fundamental issue mentioned above, the European community and European Parliament should take into account the traditions and mindset of particular states, the Patriarch said. Hewelcomed the position stated by the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Philip Dimitrov in December 2013, who said same-sex marriage legislation was not a prerequisite for Georgia to become a fully-fledged member of the EU.

His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II also condemned abortion, artificial insemination and surrogacy.

"It is horrible to even imagine that according to unofficial data, a million abortions are done in Georgia every year and no one attempts to stop this."

"How can a family, where abortion is made, be happy, the epistle reads. "How can a family, where a child born by a surrogate mother is raised, be happy. This little child is doomed to be deprived of love and is doomed to loneliness from the very beginning."

"Those children born through artificial insemination will be problematic too, as stated in the address.

The Patriarch also talked about a womans role in a family.

A man is "a guardian and breadwinner and a woman is "responsible for housekeeping and raising children, according to the epistle.

"And even if it may seem impossible, a woman should obey husband based on Gods commandments (but it does not imply obedience in wrong and sinful actions), the Christmas address reads.

The Patriarch said there were "still many good families in Georgia" who would guarantee the country's survival.

He blessed every Georgian family living here or abroad, as well as the families of residents of other nationalities living in Georgia.

Members of the Georgian Orthodox Church, together with part of the Orthodox world, celebrate Christmas today in accordance with the Julian calendar.

The majority of Georgias population is Orthodox Christian so today is a public holiday in Georgia.