Today, we remember the tragedy of April 9. That night fills us with both sorrow and a sense of joy, stemming from the unity and national spirit displayed during those historic days, said the Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Shio (Mujiri), at the April 9 Memorial, where he conducted a funeral service in memory of the deceased.

According to Metropolitan Shio, “Today it was confirmed that our nation possesses abundant energy and spirit, which we witnessed in the days following the death of His Holiness and Beatitude.”

“We commemorated not only the souls of those who died on April 9, but also the soul of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. Their lives and legacies were different, but both were dedicated to serving God, the Fatherland, and humanity. On April 9, our brothers and sisters sacrificed their lives for the Fatherland.

Today, we reflect on the significance of this day, our country, and Georgia’s independence and freedom. Both Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and our brothers and sisters who died on April 9 contributed greatly to Georgia’s independence. However, achieving independence requires maintenance and growth. It is not enough to have only political or external freedom; citizens must also possess inner, personal freedom.

True freedom is not merely doing as one pleases, but governing oneself and doing what is right and necessary. Without this understanding, external freedom alone, without divine or moral law, can be dangerous and destructive for the individual and the nation.

If we wish to preserve and strengthen our freedom, we must first work spiritually, repent, and correct ourselves. We must recognize the vices and sins within our people that need correction to receive God’s mercy, uphold our unity, and strengthen the country.

Let us once again commemorate April 9 and honor our fallen brothers and sisters. May God rest their souls, bless and protect Georgia. Amen. God is with us,” concluded Metropolitan Shio.