We remind you, that the presentation of the above mentioned book was also deranged in Akhaltsikhe University. At that time, the group of extremists led by the priest Davit Isakadze and the head of the organization “orthodox parish society of St. David the builder,” Avtandil Ungiadze broke into the hall. They were crying and insulting the people gathered at the presentation and thus caused the disarray. The presentation was deranged.- the information on this issue was spread by www.religion.ge .

The book itself touches the position issue of St. Virgin’s church in village Ivlita. According to historic sources the church always belonged to Catholic church, but now it belongs to Georgian Patriarchate. Also, the topical theological and social problems are discussed in the book.

The same happened on november27, in the conference hall of the public library’s III building. The following people attended the presentation: the staff and the students of Catholic institute “Saba,” the representative of public defenders office, Beka Mindiashvili, the authors of the book Nugzar Papuashvili and Gabriele Bragantini and other invited guests. Nugzar Bardavelidze led the presentation.

The anti-heroes of the last presentation, members of the organizations: “orthodox parents union’ and “orthodox parish society of St. David the builder” also came to the presentation without invitation. The authors of the book were in the role of the speakers , but neither the leader of the presentation nor the authors of the book had chance to express their views.

As one of the eye-witnesses, Medea Shamugia told us: ”those  people who think they are true orthodox were most active. They nearly attacked the speakers and gave them no chance to talk. They were indignated at the fact that the authors of the book consider that the church in village Ivlita  belongs to Catholic church and not the orthodox one. “True orthodox” ( “orthodox parents union”, “orthodox parish society of St David the builder”) gave no chance even to the listeners to express their views. The considerations of Beka Mindiashvili and Ia Khubashvili caused dissatisfaction in them. Those young “true orthodox” standing on foot , were trying to attack the attendants  physically. Their friends were trying to stop them. It was felt like this was a trick.

The presentation turned into dismay. They (true orthodox) were shooting everything on video and continued to cry. They were swearing and used such words as:” shameless, unscrupulous”. They asked the gathered society-” how much did they pay for this?” and finally said- “we are saying this with love or otherwise…”. “Devout ladies” also attended the presentation together with “devout men”. One could easily recognize them, with long dresses and scarfs tightly folded. One of the ladies ran to Father Gapriel Bragantini and swearing asked him-“how much did they pay him for this activity”? She presented a whole bag of newspapers and cried out that the Catholic church weds dogs and gay couples. Georgian catholic priests had to justify themselves. They(true orthodox) said” Mikhael Tamarashvili really perished and he(catholic) would also.”  They also abused Armenians.

Extremists finally deranged the presentation and left the hall with applauses. Though, the controversy continued outside the hall.

Nugzar Papuashvili- Philologist, independent expert of religion:

"The day of presentation was set. The activists of the organizations: “Orthodox parents union” and “Orthodox parish society of St. David the builder” were found at the presentation. These people are often on TV and accordingly they are known to the society. They were equipped with audio and video equipments. They shot and recorded the meeting, interfered in the presentation with loud cries and often rudely addressed priest Bragantini. “ If you don’t want to be called heretic confess that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. If you don’t confess we shall call you the heretic and the servant of the Satan and you will have to cope with that.” They were stopping the speakers while speaking. Finally, they seized the microphone and made the statements insulting Catholic church. For instance they made the following statement: ”Catholics living in village Khizabavra don’t give water to Orthodox living in the neighbouring village.” Their address was following: “People do you see who are the Catholics, they will not give at least water to a man”.

At last the administration of the public library called the police to avoid further escalation of the situation.

This is the private case of the existing tendency and spirit that has gained the mass character in Georgia in the last years. These tendencies and mood are nothing but religious nationalism. The events that happen in Georgia have their own name- this is filetism, that means the identification of the church and the nation. Thus filetists think, that the one who is not Orthodox is the enemy of Georgia. Accordingly the conclusion is following; Catholics, Protestants and the representatives of other religions have nothing to do in Georgia. Thus the more you oppress Catholics and take away their churches the more patriot you are".

Priest Gabriele Bragantini- catholic church in Georgia:

"This is the second case that these people derange the book presentation. First, they broke into Akhaltsikhe University. I should say that the situation was more tense in Akhaltsikhe than in the assembly hall of the public library. I think we should hold a dialogue but this dialogues is possible only if people listen to each other. We can answer all the questions in the regime of dialogue. Only we have not gathered for the dialogue neither in Akhaltsikhe or in the public library. It is a little bit awkward to put theological questions at the book presentation. They asked me: “Can you confess that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and Son?” I answered: “Yes, I can.” But, I am sure you will agree with me that the question is to be put in the appropriate situation tone and place.

Though, I should say they don’t come to listen to the answers on their questions, or to debate or simply attend the presentation. They come to fight. They come on purpose to disturb us and are acting aggressively. They were interested in Ivlita church, but not from the historic context, but they only  put theological questions. One should know what kind of questions to put and where or simply how to behave".