Patriarch Shio III: Never allow ourselves to doubt that Lord will help us through every trial

Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III called on the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and trust that Christ will help them through every trial, speaking during his sermon on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

Congratulating the congregation on the religious holiday, the Patriarch said the Apostles Peter and Paul continue to serve as enduring examples of faith, repentance, and Christian love.

Drawing on the Gospel account of Peter walking on water toward Jesus, Shio III said believers should follow Christ without doubt.

“We must walk toward Christ and never allow ourselves to doubt that the Lord will help us through every trial, just as He helped the Apostle Peter,” he said.

The Patriarch described Peter as a model of faith, courage, and repentance, noting that the apostle courageously defended Christ and spent the rest of his life repenting for having denied Him three times.

Turning to the Apostle Paul, Shio III highlighted his teachings on Christian love, saying Paul’s epistles remain fundamental to the faith. Quoting the apostle, he stressed that even the greatest gifts and acts of sacrifice are meaningless without love.

The Patriarch urged believers to follow the example of both apostles by embracing the Cross of Christ and reflecting on its significance every day.

“We should strive never to let a single day pass without remembering Christ’s Cross, contemplating its meaning, and making the sign of the Cross,” he said.

Concluding his sermon, Shio III prayed for the unity and well-being of Georgia, asking for the intercession of Saints Peter and Paul to bless the country, strengthen the Church, and protect the Georgian people.