"For the past 20 years, еру representative of the Georgian clergy for the first time had the opportunity to meet with the de-facto president of Abkhazia, and this is a positive fact," - said the Metropolitan of Borjomi and Bakuriani, Metropolitan Seraphim.

According to him, the Patriarchy of Georgia, with the help of the Patriarchate of Russia, proposed the de-facto government of Abkhazia in Sukhumi to schedule a meeting, but received a negative response.

"Because of this, such type of meeting was not possible any more, but it’s a fact, that for the first time in Sochi was held the meeting of the representative of the Georgian Church and the first person of the de-facto republic. The meeting was attended by two Abkhazian scientists - Damenia and Gvindzhiliya and representative of the Patriarch of Russia - Metropolitan Hlarion. We discussed the present and future prospects of the relations between our Churches. De-facto President of Abkhazia Alexander Ankvab said that the people of Abkhazia have already decided on their choice and seek independence. He is grateful to Russia for the recognition of the sovereignty and independence of Abkhazia and also seeks the independence of Abkhazian Church. The representative of the Patriarchate of Russia, Metropolitan Hilarion said, that must be met canonical requirement and all such attempts should not go beyond the classic ecclesiastical law", - said the Metropolitan Seraphim and explained that the Metropolitan Hilarion meant belonging of Abkhazian Church to the jurisdiction of the Georgian Church.

On the question – whether such meetings will be held in the future, the Metropolitan Seraphim noted that at this point was not made a specific decision.

The meeting of the Georgian and Russian clergy with the de-facto president of Abkhazia was held on March 29 in Sochi.