On February 13th The Patriarchate of Georgia issued a statement condemning the act of vandalism at the Jvari Monastery in Mtskheta, committed by foreign citizens. This was reported by the press service of the Georgian Patriarchate. The vandals wrote inscriptions on the walls of the ancient temple and performed an indecent dance.

"This is an offensive act not only against the Orthodox Church but also against the entire country. According to available information, the individuals in question are still in Georgia. At the same time, we categorically condemn the calls for personal revenge, considering them unacceptable," the statement reads.

The Patriarchate also reported that it had sent an appeal to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to establish all the circumstances and take appropriate measures.

The Jvari Monastery, a 7th-century monument, is considered an outstanding example of Georgian church architecture. It is located on the top of a mountain at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers near the town of Mtskheta. According to historical sources ("The Conversion of Georgia," "The Life of the Kings of Kartli"), the cross was erected here by Saint Nino. In 1994, the Jvari Temple was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.