Grand Mufti of Caucasus Accepts Yerevan’s Invitation, While Georgia Patriarch Refuses

Haji Allahshükür Hummat Pashazade Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus will arrive in Yerevan to attend a meeting of the Presidium of the Inter-religious Council of the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), reports Vesti.az, citing the Caucasus Muslims Department press service.

The meeting, to be held Nov. 28–29 in the Armenian capital, will include the participation of leaders and representatives of traditional religions of CIS countries (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddism). The meeting will also be attended by the Council of Muftis of Russia Chairperson Ravil Gainutdin.

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II earlier refused participating in the meeting, though no official explanation has been provided.

Earlier, member of Georgia’s delegation to Moscow and adviser to the patriarchate Zurab Abashidze said that the Patriarch will not be able to attend the meeting.