Reformation

A one-time official state deferral of mandatory military service costs 2,000 GEL. The Church of Biblical Freedom performs this virtually free of charge (with a voluntary donation of 20 GEL). This was and remains Girchi's gift to the youth of Georgia.

• —Why and how they were liberated from slavery;
• —Where and to what organization they came;
• —What faith the individuals who helped them hold, and what ceremony they took part in.

What gives us the grounds to state this? Out of ten liberated individuals, only one signed the petition supporting their liberator's participation in elections—where one of the primary campaign pledges was the complete abolition of compulsory military service. They never demonstrated any interest in the people who assisted them. A large portion to this day still considers us 'sectarians' who simply used them. In short, they respect neither the idea nor the believers.

• —Since our founding, we have had to fight for survival. Throughout this period, we faced constant threats and hostile legislative bills; fellow religious organizations refused solidarity, and some even labeled us apostles of the devil. In such an environment, focusing on expanding the philosophical awareness of our clergymen was an arduous challenge;
• —The organization was young, and we lacked prior experience in administering an ecclesiastical organization and selecting clergy;
• —The single standard we employed when appointing priests was ensuring the candidate was demonstrably not a misanthrope or an aggressor. Resources to verify additional qualifications simply did not exist;
• —Our primary goal was to protect human beings from state coercion, which Biblical Freedom faithfully fulfilled—today, the state apparatus cannot forcibly conscript them into the army.

We do not accept ingratitude. Ingratitude is destructive and yields negative consequences in the future. When we assist such a person without critical consciousness, we do a disservice to both them and their future. This must change.

• —Liberation from slavery is only virtuous if the formerly enslaved person begins to reflect, recognizing the gravity and evil of their bondage, and thereby rendering the enslavement of their neighbor unacceptable as well;
• —Any religious congregation is duty-bound to discourse on morality, humanity, foster critical thought, and encourage conscientious action;
• —Biblical Freedom does not deserve disrespect from its own clergy. Furthermore, no individual should serve as a priest of Biblical Freedom if they feel ashamed to publicly acknowledge it;
• —According to our faith, our ultimate objective is attainable only on the condition that genuine conscious thinking begins.

A candidate seeking ordination in the Church of Biblical Freedom must be an individual who has deeply contemplated the following questions:

• —Where did you come to ask for assistance? What kind of organizations are Biblical Freedom and Girchi? What form of mutual aid do they practice, and why is helping others considered a moral imperative in these organizations?
• —What constitutes morality and leading an ethical life?
• —What is individual liberty and why is it indispensable to human existence?
• —What will you personally contribute to the defense of freedom?

The Reformation commences on July 1, 2018.

Between July 1 and August 1 there is no state conscription call-up, meaning individuals are not hurried to obtain ordination certificates and have ample time to prepare and reflect.

The selection of clergy will be conducted via in-person interviews. Starting July 1, anyone can consult in person or via Facebook with active clergy who will guide them through the interview process.

The official Facebook page of Biblical Freedom provides video materials that are essential to watch and reflect upon prior to attending the interview. You will also find recommended literature there, which we believe:

“Will nourish the flesh, and subsequently the soul.”