Head of the Abkhazian Church Vissarion officially declared separation from the Georgian Orthodox Church. This decision was jointly taken by all the church officers of the diocese. Meanwhile, the authorities of South Ossetia also thought it necessary to protect their Church which is not yet recognized worldwide Georgia Times reports.

They are not satisfied with the position of the Russian clergy who acknowledge the right of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) for the spiritual chargeof the parish of the independent republic. It looks like the diocese of Alania is going to follow the Abkhazian diocese and declare autocephaly. However, neither the Russian, nor the Georgian Orthodox Church will ever recognize them. Heads of the newly formed dioceses are taking the risk of being excommunicated with a label of dissenters.

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