After Zviad Gamsakhurdia and the National Movement came to power in the 1990s, Soviet documents from the archives of the State Security Committee (also known as the KGB) were made public. These materials reveal the cooperation of Georgian clergy with security forces and disclose their agent code names. One such record pertains to the Patriarch, while another relates to someone very close to him – Giorgi Kharazashvili.
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the KGB’s agents ceased to exist, but Kharazashvili’s ties with Russia persisted. While not holding a high clerical rank, his role remains significant within the Patriarchate. He is responsible for resolving various issues with Russia on behalf of the Patriarchate.
In September 2021, documents revealing secret surveillance conducted by the State Security Service of Georgia (the SSS) were leaked. Giorgi Kharazashvili’s name appears frequently among these materials, detailing his connections and collaboration with Russia’s KGB.
“iFact” compared the records found in the Security Service files concerning Kharazashvili with other documents and accounts from individuals, and we will recount the events that transpired.
Kharazashvili’s Russian Connections
There is a distinct document focusing on KGB agents within the State Security Service materials. It is noted therein that Giorgi Kharazashvili was recruited in 1983 by Rati Tatishvili, the deputy representative of the Council of Religious Affairs. At the time, the Council of Religious Affairs fell directly under the control of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, providing a convenient avenue for the KGB to identify and enlist new agents. According to the documents, Kharazashvili was given the code name “Daniil.”
One piece of evidence corroborating this claim is a photograph, which can be sourced on the internet outside the State Security Service files. It displays the employee accounting card of the KGB, known as Form 3-A, where Giorgi Kharazashvili’s information is recorded, identifying him as an agent of the KGB under the name “Daniil”. This segment of the card catalogue was made public by the National Movement in the 1990s.
the Latvian government released the similar cards in December 2018 when it opened the archives of KGB agents. The documents from Latvia bear a striking resemblance to those found in Georgia. The structure of the cards, their content, and even the handwriting style are remarkably similar. It can be concluded that the materials from the Georgian archive are authentic.
Kharazashvili himself denies the validity of these claims when questioned. When asked further about the document confirming his affiliation with the KGB, he responded that we should redirect the inquiry to the KGB employee who purportedly created the card: “If they say I’m an elephant, should I start looking for my trunk?”
We can cite the confirmation by five independent sources as a second piece of evidence. Among them is a former senior official of the Ministry of Defence, two theologians, and two clerics. According to their accounts, information regarding Kharazashvili’s affiliation with the KGB is widely known within their circles.
Furthermore, another significant evidence is the connection between Kharazashvili and protoiereus Elguja Losaberidze. Losaberidze introduced Kharazashvili to the church and has served alongside him since 1984. In 1995, Losaberidze publicly acknowledged his association with the KGB. “iFact” has obtained audio recordings of his confession, as well as his registration card confirming him being a KGB agent.
We tried to inquire about this with Giorgi Kharazashvili, but even before we mentioned cooperation with the KGB, he said he did not know anything about it. Even when presented with audio evidence of Elguja Losaberidze’s confession, Kharazashvili maintained his stance, stating, “I don’t know that story, dear, I really do not know.” He confirmed they worked together from 1983 until Losaberidze’s passing in 2021.
However, it remains puzzling how the Kharazashvili could claim ignorance of Losaberidze’s public confession, which took place in 1995 alongside the Patriarch at an extended Ecclesiastical Assembly in Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
The State Security Committee may no longer officially exist, but unofficial contacts persist. Kharazashvili remained actively engaged in communication with Russians. Various events further underscore Kharazashvili’s close relationship with Russia and Russian political circles. This includes his frequent visits to Russia and his friendships with individuals such as Grigor Karasin, the chairman of the “Union of Georgians in Russia,” Mikheil Khubutia, and Vardiko Nadibaidze, a former Minister of Defence of Georgia who is now based in Russia. Kharazashvili confirms these connections, referring to Vardiko as his spiritual son and acknowledging Zurab Abashidze and Grigor Karasin as his friends.
For iFact Giorgi Kharazashvili and his Russian connections are particularly interesting, because he is a member of the Patriarch’s closest inner circle.
Currently serving not only at the Church of the Great Martyr Barbara but also at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kharazashvili plays a crucial role as the Patriarchate’s “ear,” facilitating the exchange of information between Georgian and Russian sides. Theologian Beka Mindiashvili emphasizes that this function is central to Kharazashvili’s role within the Patriarchate.
“Kharazashvili’s primary function is to relay specific information either to the Patriarch or to Patriarchate, provided by Russian sources, or vice versa, to transmit such information to Russian contacts. He serves as an “ear” within the Patriarchate”, shared Mindiashvili.
Leaked documents from the SSS corroborate this role. They indicate that Kharazashvili has become the central point of contact between the Patriarchates of Moscow and Georgia. He maintains communication with representatives of the Russian Federation’s authorities, such as Grigor Karasin, as well as high-ranking clergy of the Russian Church and influential members of the Georgian diaspora residing in Russia, including Mikheil Khubutia, Aleksandre Ebralidze, and Vardiko Nadibaidze. Kharazashvili is frequent invited to Russia, whether for Patriarchate-related affairs, conferences, or even the birthday celebrations of the Patriarch of Russia etc.
“It can be directly said that he is an Éminence grise who does his Russian work silently from the outside, but quite loudly from the inside,” remarked protoiereus Ilia Chigladze.
The SSS files note that Giorgi Kharazashvili serves as the official liaison between the Patriarchates of Russia and Georgia. Additionally, he takes charge of planning and organizing official or private visits of representatives of the Russian Church to Georgia.
Kharazashvili maintains a direct relationship with protoiereus Nikolay Balashov, an employee of the foreign relations department of the Russian Patriarchate. Balashov, known in the Orthodox world and in SSS records as a high-ranking employee of the Russian special services, is close to the current Patriarch of Russia, Kirill Gundiaev.
Let’s examine events chronologically to substantiate these claims, with the Russia-Georgia war of August 2008 as our reference point.
According to SSS documents, from 2009 to 2013, Kharazashvili was tasked with overseeing the relations of the Georgian Patriarchate with the armed forces. This is corroborated by one of our sources, a former senior official of the Ministry of Defense.
Theologian Giorgi Tiginashvili recounts that during the 2008 war, when the Patriarch arrived in Gori, Kharazashvili managed the negotiations for a humanitarian corridor with the Russian side. Tiginashvili states, “The Georgian Church demanded a security guarantee there. They established a humanitarian corridor for several hours. Subsequently, assurances were provided by the Russian Church, particularly by the head of the foreign affairs department, Hilarion Alfeev, and Kirill, who was then a metropolitan. When they arrived, Kharazashvili also accompanied the delegation and acted as a mediator between General Borisov and Ilia II.”
The accuracy of this account is corroborated by interviews with Soso Okhanashvili, the former head of the Patriarch’s security detail, and video footage showing Kharazashvili indeed accompanying Ilia II in Gori during the August war.
Kharazashvili’s participation in the negotiation process with the Russian side is further supported the special issue of the journal “News of the Patriarchate” of August 28, 2008. Within this publication, Ilia II expresses gratitude to Giorgi Kharazashvili for his assistance in securing the release of soldiers from captivity.
According to the “News of the Patriarchate,” Giorgi Kharazashvili, along with Metropolitan Grigol (Berbichashvili) of Poti and Khobi participated in negotiations with the Russian side regarding the release of Georgian soldiers. On August 20, the Patriarch appealed to the Russian ambassador, Vyacheslav Kovalenko, requesting his intervention with the Russian High Command for the release of the captured Georgian soldiers in the port of Poti. By August 23, as a result of these negotiations, 10 out of the 22 captured soldiers were freed.
Kharazashvili affirmed his involvement, stating, “Do you believe I did something wrong? I simply followed instructions. My contacts were on behalf of the Patriarchate of Georgia, without any personal interests in Russia. I am well aware of their actions and intentions. No Georgian can accept the occupation of our territories by Russia or any other state.”
When questioned further about the frequent visits of the Patriarchate’s delegation to Russia with his participation, Kharazashvili initially evaded the question. Eventually, he explained that all such visits were conducted with the blessing of the Patriarch and emphasized his unwavering love for his homeland and the church.
The then-Russian ambassador to Georgia maintained a notably close relationship with the Georgian Patriarchate. He frequently attended Patriarchal services and visited the Patriarch in his residence. He was hosted by the Patriarch on multiple occasions, including in April 2007, January 2008, and July 24, 2008, mere days before the outbreak of the war. The Patriarch, alongside Kovalenko, welcomed Russian writers and received an award recognizing his significant personal contributions to preserving and promoting world cultural heritage. It appears that Kharazashvili, the Patriarch’s right-hand man, had developed close relations with the ambassador as well.
According to theologian Mirian Gamrekelashvili and protoiereus Ilia Chigladze, Kharazashvili was among those who accompanied Kovalenko out of Georgia in September following the 2008 war and the subsequent closure of the Russian embassy.
“Kharazashvili saw this man off at the airport. No one paid attention to the fact that the priest was publicly bidding farewell to the last Russian ambassador,” Gamrekelashvili remarks.
Indeed, we discovered a video in the Public Broadcaster’s archive showing Kovalenko together with Kharazashvili and Valery Kvaratskhelia at the airport. The footage captures Kharazashvili bidding farewell to the ambassador of Russia a month and a half after the August war.
“Vyacheslav Kovalenko was the Russian ambassador to Georgia before the war and for a while after the war. With the blessing of His Holiness, I had and still maintain certain relations, facilitating contacts for the Patriarchate. Thus, these are not solely my personal connections,” clarifies Kharazashvili.
We inquired why he oversaw the departure of Russian Ambassador Kovalenko post-war, especially when Reverend Gerasime Sharashenidze is responsible for the foreign relations of the Patriarchate. His responded, “Direct this question to His Holiness, and he will provide an answer.”
Despite the war and the cessation of diplomatic ties, the Georgian Patriarchate maintained friendships with the Russian Patriarchate and political figures. Consequently, they continued their active engagements, including visits to Russia, to repair relations with the occupying country potentially. The Patriarchate of Georgia’s delegation made numerous visits to Moscow for various purposes. Kharazashvili consistently participated in these delegations, although his exact role remains unspecified. Information regarding several such visits can be found in the archives and publications of the Patriarchate.
- From November 4-10, 2008, a delegation of the Patriarchate of Georgia, comprising Metropolitan Andria of Gori and Nikosi, protoiereus Giorgi Kharazashvili, and the former Georgian Ambassador to Russia, Zurab Abashidze, travelled to Moscow. They asserted that churches should play a role in gradually alleviating tensions between the two countries.
- In December 2008, Patriarch Ilia II visited Moscow to attend the funeral of Patriarch Alexy II, accompanied by Giorgi Kharazashvili and other members of the delegation. During this visit, they met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Mikhail Khubutia, a businessman close to Putin who chairs the “Union of Georgians in Russia.”
- On February 1, 2009, the Georgian Orthodox Church delegation participated in the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill. Patriarch Kirill received a delegation from the Georgian Patriarchate at the Moscow Patriarchate residence the following day. The delegation included Metropolitan Theodore Chuadze, Gerasime Sharashenidze (Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Patriarchate of Georgia), Giorgi Kharazashvili, and former Georgian Ambassador to Russia Zurab Abashidze.
- From June 29 to July 6 2009, a delegation from the Patriarchate of Georgia, including Gerasime Sharashenidze, Archimandrite Davit Chincharauli, Giorgi Kharazashvili, and Zurab Abashidze, travelled to Moscow. From the Russian side, Archbishop Hilarion Alfeev, the head of the Foreign Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, his deputy protoiereus Nikolai Balashov, and protoiereus Giorgi Yakimchuk participated in the meetings. During this visit, the Patriarchate’s delegation also held discussions with Grigor Karasin, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, emphasizing the importance of reinstating visas and direct air flights.
- In September-October 2009, the Patriarchate of Georgia delegation, accompanied by Kharazashvili, made another trip to Russia. By this time, Kharazashvili had assumed the role of head of the Protocol Department. In Moscow, the delegation met with Nikolai Balashov, the Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Russian Patriarchate.
In addition to his visits to the Russian Patriarchate, Kharazashvili is actively involved with the “International Public Foundation for the Unity of Orthodox Peoples.” It was established in April 1995 with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All of Russia. Valery Alekseev serves as the foundation’s president and is also an advisor to the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy, an organization represented by Sergey Gavrilov.
“I have attended conferences organized by this foundation in various countries, always with the blessing of the Patriarchate. It’s important to emphasize that I cannot undertake such trips at my discretion; regardless of personal desires, permission from the Patriarchate is paramount. Every word spoken and action taken during these conferences is in alignment with the directives of the Patriarchate,” stated the Kharazashvili in an interview with “iFact.”
Alekseev participated in the meeting between the Patriarchates of Georgia and Russia in November 2008 in Russia, during which the war issue was discussed. According to the SSS files, Alekseev maintains a close friendship with Kharazashvili, as evidenced by their frequent meetings. The files document that Valery Alekseev is a colonel in Russian foreign intelligence and supervises operations related to the Georgian Church.
From July 21 to 22, 2012, Professor Valery Alekseev, president of the “International Public Foundation for the Unity of Orthodox Peoples” visited Tbilisi at the invitation of the Patriarch of Georgia. Giorgi Kharazashvili played a prominent role in organizing Alekseev’s visit and was actively involved in the negotiations. The pro-Russian publication “Sakinform,” closely linked to the Patriarchate, reported: “The extremely busy two-day visit of Mr. V. Alekseev was carried out with the constant participation of its main organizer, Giorgi Kharazashvili from the side of the Georgian Orthodox Church.”
Following this, Alekseev visited the Patriarch again in November to plan Ilia II’s visit to Moscow in January 2013, during which he would receive the Foundation’s prize. In an interview with Sakinform, Alekseev stated: “It is symbolically significant that as Georgia celebrates his 80th birthday, he will arrive in Moscow on January 21 to receive this award! The visit will be meticulously prepared in agreement with the Holy Patriarch, with his blessing. Protoiereus Giorgi (Kharazashvili) will come to Moscow and assist us in the arrangements.”
In January 2013, the Foundation did indeed award a prize to Ilia II, which the Patriarch considers a recognition of the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Georgian people’s contributions.
Kharazashvili maintained his friendship with the president of the organization. In 2019, during Gavrilov’s visit, Alekseev approached Kharazashvili to facilitate a meeting with Ilia II and Archbishop Feophylact Kurianov of Pyatigorsk, to which Kharazashvili agreed. This account is documented in the records of the SSS on June 14, 2019. Furthermore, it appears to be substantiated, as Archbishop Feophylact Kurianov did indeed visit Georgia on June 19-20 as part of the delegation of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy, attending a meeting with the Patriarch, as confirmed by the photographs.
Those seeking to meet with the Patriarch typically initiate contact with Giorgi Kharazashvili. For instance, Merab Tostiashvili, President of the “Novosibirsk Organization of the Community of Georgian Peoples,” recounted in an interview with “Sakinform” that when he sought to construct a Georgian church in Siberia, the head of the Tomsk Community recommended contacting Giorgi Kharazashvili, the personal representative of the Patriarch of Georgia, who could aid in arranging a meeting with the Patriarch and provide guidance on legal matters. Tostiashvili remarked, “No one could have assisted us better than him in arranging a meeting with the Patriarch and advising us on the necessary documentation. We were unfamiliar with such procedures.”
In the subsequent part of the interview, the President of the Novosibirsk community mentioned that Ilia II hosted him at the Kobuleti residence during his vacation. The church is constructed according to the Vake Trinity project, with Giorgi Kharazashvili assisting Tostiashvili not only in arranging the meeting but also in negotiations at the official level and in preparing the necessary documents. The new church will operate under the jurisdiction of the local diocese of Novosibirsk.
How did Kharazashvili find his way into the Patriarchate?
Giorgi Kharazashvili, now 63, has a longstanding connection with the Patriarchate and Ilia II dating back to 1975, as evidenced in SSS documents. During this period, Ilia II served as the second Metropolitan of Tskhum-Abkhazia, and Kharazashvili served as his acolyte. Theologians corroborate this account, affirming that Kharazashvili’s close ties with the Church and the Patriarch began during this time. Kharazashvili himself acknowledges this bond, stating, “I grew up by his side, I have never betrayed him,” in an interview with the “Mtavari Arkhi.”
Kharazashvili continues his service in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, having ascended through the church ranks with Ilia II’s blessing. He initially served as a deacon, then as a priest, and ultimately attained the rank of protoiereus. Since 1984, he has been serving at the church of the Great Martyr Barbara. According to theologians, he only participates in services when the Patriarch officiates.
“He was always with Ilia II in Sioni, in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, or Svetitskhoveli. Wherever Ilia II went, Kharazashvili would be by his side like a constantly visible supervisor. He has no merit, whether spiritual, educational, or otherwise,” remarked theologian Giorgi Tiginashvili.
Giorgi Kharazashvili is among the few clerics granted the official right to possess firearms. The SSS documents reveal that in 2016, he reached out to MP Davit Chichinadze, seeking support for extending his firearms license with the Minister of Internal Affairs. Both Kharazashvili and Chichinadze confirmed this request in an interview with the “Mtavari Arkhi.” Giorgi Kharazashvili openly acknowledges his appeal to the MP and the subsequent extension of his firearms license. The license, permitting the possession of an IZH 79-8 brand gas pistol, is dated September 19, 2016.
What property does Giorgi Kharazashvili own?
Giorgi Kharazashvili’s financial status remains officially undisclosed, with no confirmation of his income in bank accounts either. According to details from SSS files, he prefers to keep his savings at home, distrusting banks. “iFact” verified and confirmed this information independently. However, despite his undisclosed income, Kharazashvili possesses luxury vehicles, including a 3.5-liter Mercedes CLS model and a two-door Mercedes Benz. Additionally, he owns real estate in Tbilisi consisting of two apartments and a house.
In 2020, he acquired a 158 sq.m. parking space on Bochorma Street in Tbilisi for 35.5 thousand GEL, jointly owned with Russian citizens Leonid Lomanikhin and Goar Petrosian. This parking space is located in the same building where Kharazashvili had previously purchased a 105 sq.m. apartment in 2016 for 10,000 GEL.
In 2017, Kharazashvili purchased a 69 sq.M apartment in the multifunctional residential complex “Dirs” on Cholokashvili Street, Isani-Samgori District, Tbilisi, for 34,800 USD. “iFact” investigated whether the rental of apartments serves as a source of income for the deacon. Upon arrival, we discovered the apartment to be locked. According to neighbors, this apartment has never been rented and Kharazashvili visits it occasionally.
Even earlier, in 2011, he acquired a 94.4 sq.m. residential property on Patardzeuli Street, Tbilisi, for 28,000 USD.
Apparently, Kharazashvili is also involved in wine-growing. In 2011, he purchased 13,700 square meters of land in Tsinandali for 8,000 GEL, which is currently cultivated with vines. When we visited the area, we attempted to ascertain how the protoiereus utilizes the land, but locals were unfamiliar with Giorgi Kharazashvili. They stated they hadn’t seen a priest in the area and were unaware of anyone tending to the vineyard.
During our conversation with him, he confirmed ownership of the vineyard and other properties mentioned earlier, though he regarded them as insignificant. “What’s wrong with owning a vineyard? I am from Kakheti. It’s commendable when a cleric tends to the land, the vineyard, for which the Georgian people are renowned,” remarked Kharazashvili.
Regarding inquiries about the source of income used to acquire the aforementioned properties, Kharazashvili declined to provide a direct response: “Why are you interested in my income? Why should I answer you? I am a servant of the Lord.” After some insistence, he mentioned that he had served as a clergyman for 38 years and accumulated wealth over time.
“God provides for those in the clergy,” the deacon stated as he closed the door of his twenty-thousand-dollar Mercedes and proceeded to the service.
