Rustavi 2 Journalist Explains Jesus Joke
Rustavi 2 TV Show Archevani anchor, Giorgi Gabunia, has explained his jokes about Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, which fueled much criticism from the Orthodox Church and believers.
Gabunia says his relationship with God is very personal, adding he considers Jesus "his friend."
"Jesus Christ is very dear to me and I have the right to have my own relationship with him. Do not be offended when I joke about Jesus as I would about my friend. I consider him a very close person to me and I am sure my jokes will not upset him,” the journalist explained.
The TV anchor noted that his interest and respect towards God has been great since childhood, adding he only "lost god" when he started to go to church and became a member of the parish.
“Church helps some people find God, but in my case I lost God there,” he said, adding he does not need mediators between him and Jesus.
Gabunia believes that his comments about Christ or the Virgin Mary cause discontent because he refers to them as to ordinary people.
“Jesus was a human, just like us…For me he is a man and only after this a god. This attitude angers Christians but I want to tell them that Christ does not need their protection,” he added.
Last week, during the TV Show Archevani, Gabunia showed a painting of the pregnant Virgin Mary holding a pistol in her hand as if she wanted to commit suicide. The anchor said the painting was called a ‘Virgin Suicide,’ adding "Mary cannot commit a suicide because the pistol is a toy."
“Mary will give birth to Jesus, so don't worry,” he stated.
The Patriarchate became outraged after these statements and accused Rustavi 2 TV of blasphemy.
The Patriarchate also called on its clerics to cut all ties with the opposition TV network.
“We urge our clergy to stop any relationships with Rustavi 2, not to give interviews and not to take part in its programs,” the statement reads.
The Church also called on the Orthodox community to stay away from Rustavi 2.
“We call the parish not to get involved in the provocations because the desire of anti-Church forces is to create unrest in the country,” the Patriarchate stated.
“Nobody should be rude to the faith - this will not remain unpunished,” Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II said during the Sunday service at Sameba Cathedral.
The Patriarch commented about the relationship between the Church and Rustavi 2 TV.
“We are praying for you and we hope that the relationship between us will be improved,” Ilia II stated about Rustavi 2.
By Thea Morrison
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