The Georgian Orthodox Patriarchate has made a significant appeal to the authorities of Azerbaijan, requesting the permission to hold regular services at the Kurmukhi Church of St. George, a historic site dating back to the 13th-14th centuries and located in the Gakh region of Azerbaijan.

Recently, the internet saw the circulation of a music video shot inside the Kurmukhi Church, featuring an Azerbaijani musician performing on the solea. The Patriarchate highlighted that the video sparked public discontent and was subsequently removed from YouTube. The musician involved claimed that his intentions were out of respect and admiration for Georgian culture.

In their official statement, the Georgian Patriarchate emphasized the incident as a reminder of the importance of restoring the original purpose of Georgian churches and monasteries situated in Azerbaijan. They have urged Azerbaijani authorities to allow the Kurmukhi Church of St. George to function as an active place of worship, enabling the Georgian Patriarchate to conduct regular religious services there. The Patriarchate pointed out that this was not an isolated incident and that they consistently face challenges that lead to societal tension and justifiable indignation, offending the religious sentiments of the faithful.

The Patriarchate also mentioned that the Kurmukhi Church is recognized as a cultural monument in Azerbaijan, which adds to the frustration when such incidents occur. They have appealed to the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, to investigate these incidents and take appropriate measures to prevent their recurrence.

Situated in the Kurmukhi Gorge in the northwest of Azerbaijan, in the Gakh district—an area historically known as Hereti—the Kurmukhi Church of St. George dates back to the late 12th and early 13th centuries when the region was part of the Georgian Kingdom. The area is home to Georgian Ingiloys, reflecting the region's rich cultural and religious history. Christianity was introduced to these lands during the time of St. Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia.

The Kurmukhi Church, dedicated to St. George the Victorious, stands as an architectural monument. It traditionally opens only twice a year, on the feast days of St. George—May 6 and November 23. The Patriarchate's call to action underscores the need to preserve the sanctity and historical significance of this revered site, advocating for its restoration as a place of active worship and spiritual heritage.