Patriarch Shio III receives Georgian Football Federation officials and national squad members

His Holiness Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, hosted representatives of the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) and members of the national team at the Patriarchal Residence.

According to the Patriarchate’s press service, the meeting was also attended by Metropolitan Gerasime (Sharashenidze) of Zugdidi and Tsaishi, Head of the Patriarchate’s Foreign Relations Department; Metropolitan Andria (Gvazava) of Gori and Ateni; Bishop Vakhtang (Liparteliani) of Nikortsminda; and Archpriest Mikael Botkoveli, Secretary to the Catholicos-Patriarch.

“During the meeting, the Catholicos-Patriarch noted that competing at the European Championship brought immense joy to the entire nation. His Holiness placed particular emphasis on the athletes’ faith and the public example they set by expressing Christian values on the pitch. He also offered spiritual guidance to the squad members, wishing them victory not only in sport, but in their spiritual endeavours as well.

GFF President Levan Kobiashvili thanked the Patriarch for his support and blessing. He noted that the team is deeply mindful of its responsibility toward the younger generation and is working tirelessly toward future achievements.

GFF Vice-President Kakha Chumburidze thanked the Catholicos-Patriarch for the reception and conveyed profound love and respect on behalf of both the national team and the federation. He said the prayers and blessings of the Patriarch and the clergy are of paramount importance to the squad, adding that visiting the Patriarchate is a source of immense joy and honour for them.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness presented the guests with crosses as gifts,” the Patriarchate of Georgia said in a statement.