As it is known, on 9th of January 2012, the Abkhazian web-site "apsnypress.info" published the information, that His All Holiness the Archbishop of Constantinople – the New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has mat in his residence with the members of so-called "The Holy Council of the Abkhazian Metropolis" which consists of Archimandrite Dorotheus (Dbar), the priest Andrew (Ampar) deacon David (Sarsania), Timur Dzidzaria and Herman Marshania.

In this regard, the Patriarchy of Georgia contacted the Chief Secretary of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Archimandrite Bartholomew (Samaris), who stated that the meeting was appointed by him personally, as the Abkhaz side sent several letters with a request for an audience with the Ecumenical Patriarch and as for every Christian wishing to meet with the Ecumenical Patriarch, they were also given this opportunity. Archimandrite Bartholomew categorically denied information about the official invitation of the members of so called "The Holy Council of the Abkhazian Metropolis" at a meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch and said that it is not true to call this fact an "official visit" or an "official meeting".

He also said: "At the Synod in Constantinople, it was clearly stated that Abkhazia is an integral territorial part of Georgia and the Abkhazian Church is under the jurisdiction of the Georgian Church. Accordingly, the issue of Abkhazian clergy is the prerogative of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. In the nearest time, by the Ecumenical Patriarchate will be provided more detailed information to the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta and Tbilisi, the Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II".

13^th of January, 2012