Patriarch Shio III: We are blessed to have witnessed the devotion of late Patriarch Ilia II and must remain true heirs to the Apostles

“When it comes to the salvation of our souls and earning the favour of God, we show laziness, carelessness, indifference, and often ingratitude. What justification can we possibly have for such behaviour when we see how many blessings we have received from God: our country, our families, and we ourselves personally, and continue to receive in abundance today?” stated His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, during his sermon at the Svetitskhoveli Patriarchal Cathedral.

Marking the Feast of the Twelve Apostles and Svetitskhovloba, which this year coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity being declared the state religion of Georgia, Patriarch Shio III reminded the congregation that the nation’s historical survival rests entirely upon its loyalty to the Orthodox Church.

Reflecting on modern history, His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III paid a solemn tribute to the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, describing him as one of the foremost spiritual leaders in the global Orthodox world.

“We are blessed to have witnessed his devotion; we are his heirs, just as we are, first and foremost, the heirs of the Apostles,” he stated, challenging the faithful to emulate their sacrificial path.

The Patriarch admonished that while people readily endure hardships for earthly, material gain, they frequently display laziness and indifference toward the salvation of their souls. He emphasised that true love for God is inseparable from love for one’s neighbour, noting that helping the poor is akin to serving Christ Himself. Concluding his address, he prayed that following this apostolic path of mercy would bring spiritual renewal, strength, and unification to the whole of Georgia.