“April 9 was a great manifestation of devotion and self-sacrifice for the homeland, which ignited and strengthened our national spirit and faith in independence,” stated Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsyu, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne, during a memorial service commemorating those who perished on April 9, 1989.

According to Metropolitan Shio, the brothers and sisters who died on April 9 chose the path of self-sacrifice.

“In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Your Excellency, Mr President, Your Excellency, Mr Prime Minister, Your Excellency, Mr Chairman of the Parliament, Honorable Mayor, Respected members of the Government and Parliament, Most Reverend Hierarchs, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters, April 9 is a day that contains both great sorrow and great joy. 36 years ago, 21 innocent, peaceful people were sacrificed for the idea of Georgia’s independence on Rustaveli Avenue. Today, we reflect on the significance of this event for our country and our nation. It was a great manifestation of devotion and self-sacrifice for the homeland, which ignited and strengthened our national spirit and faith in independence.

Generally, there are two paths in life. Some try in every way possible and use every means to achieve personal happiness and personal well-being, while others renounce this for the sake of God, for the sake of the homeland, and for the sake of love for humanity. This is the Christian path. Therefore, there is the path of self-love against the path of devotion and self-sacrifice. Our brothers and sisters who perished on April 9 chose the path of self-sacrifice.

That is precisely why the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Ilia II, called this day, along with a day of mourning, a day of spiritual elevation for our nation. He also stated that “April 9 became the starting point for contemporary Georgia’s aspiration toward freedom.” On this path of aspiration, of course, there were many falls and rises, betrayals and loyalties, war and peace, joy, and so on. Therefore, we should not despair, because independence implies constant struggle, work, and overcoming difficulties.

Exactly two years after this date, we achieved independence. But we are obliged to take care to preserve it, because it is most threatened by the sins that are prevalent among the people, due to which grace is lost and the Lord allows such trials as the seizure of territories by enemies, the expulsion of the population, demographic decline, and so on. This is emphasized by the authors of biblical books, great prophets and saints, and Georgian chroniclers often write about this, and, of course, the saints of the modern era as well.

May God grant rest to the souls of the servants of God who perished on April 9, our brothers and sisters. May God bless, save, and strengthen Georgia, and may He grant us a happy and peaceful Easter. Amen,” declared Metropolitan Shio.