"Controversy Erupts Over Stalin Icon in Georgian Church"

The Georgian Orthodox Church has called for changes to an icon in a Tbilisi cathedral depicting Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin being blessed by a Russian Orthodox saint, citing "insufficient evidence" of their meeting. The icon, gifted by a pro-Russian political party, has sparked controversy, with an activist recently spraying it with paint in protest. The Church emphasized that an icon can depict real stories related to the saint's life, but it does not mean glorifying or attributing dignity to the figures depicted. Stalin's complex legacy in Georgia reflects conflicting views, with some rejecting the Soviet legacy while others still view him with pride for his rise from humble origins.