In the secessionist Abkhazia in the spiritual and civil circles tensions raised around Russia's claims for northern Abkhazian territory. After Russian Federation said openly about its pretensions for the northern part of Abkhazian territory, the Russian Patriarchy appointed Russian pope in the New Athon Monastery. This event was met with protest from Abkhazian spiritual and civil circles. The decision was taken for the holding of big spiritual-civil gathering for the discussion of the future of Abkhazian Orthodox Church.

It was detected that the appointment of Russian Holy Father to the Abkhazian Church was decided on the hideous negotiation of Besarion Aplia, so-called head of Abkhazian Orthodox Church of Bichvinta and Sokhumi with Russian Patriarch Kiril. Abkhazians believe that the bishops on the Abkhazian territory must be of Abkhazian originality. The spiritual fathers are unsatisfied with Besarion Aplia active and hidden relations with Russian Patriarchy, his unilateral actions and decisions.

The nest gathering will be hold on May 15.