“Let us strive to make today’s feast the day of the Savior’s entry into our souls, so that from this day forward we are never separated from Him, always remembering Him, being with Him, and living with Him,” said the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Shio (Mujiri), during his Palm Sunday sermon at Sioni Cathedral.

The Metropolitan congratulated the faithful on the feast and recalled the Gospel account of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, when people welcomed Him with palm branches and joyful cries.

Metropolitan Shio also drew a parallel with the recent days following the passing of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.

“We witnessed a similar unity and spiritual elevation, when our entire nation was united in gratitude and love. This was not only an appreciation of His Holiness, but above all an expression of love for God, the Church, and the Fatherland — and devotion to the values he preached throughout his life,” he said.

Concluding his sermon, Metropolitan Shio wished the faithful strength, happiness, and steadfast faith.