Patriarch Shio III: Serving in Senaki and Chkhorotsku taught me love for Samegrelo, essential to understanding Georgian spirit

People, to a greater or lesser extent, all commit sins, and therefore must also know repentance, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia Shio III said during a sermon at the St. Ioane Natlismtsemeli (John the Baptist) Cathedral.

The Patriarch noted that during the fasting period, the Holy Church calls on the faithful to honor St. Ioane Natlismtsemeli, listen to his teachings, and follow his call to repentance.

Speaking on the feast day of the cathedral dedicated to the Nativity of St. Ioane Natlismtsemeli, Shio III also commemorated all those who contributed to the church’s construction, describing it as a particularly cherished place for the people of Senaki. He paid special tribute to Priest-Monk Ambakoni, whom he described as the driving force and chief organizer behind the cathedral’s construction.

“I would also like to express my special love for the Diocese of Senaki and Chkhorotsku. I thank the Lord that I was blessed to serve in this precious diocese and, as God willed, to prepare here for my patriarchal ministry as Catholicos-Patriarch. I thank God for allowing me to serve here because I learned so much in this diocese. I learned through my communication with you, through remembering the great saints, through studying their lives, and through learning about those who lived in this holy diocese.

Above all, I sought to understand the love, great beauty, and culture of Samegrelo, without which it is impossible to fully know the Georgian spirit and our culture. I thank the Lord for granting me all of this and for allowing me to serve with you for so many years.

Once again, I congratulate you on this feast day. May God bless you, strengthen you, and fill your lives with joy,” the Patriarch said.