Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III stated that the modern world presents the Church with new challenges, while society faces spiritual alienation and a crisis of values. During his first sermon as Patriarch at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, he said that today people are increasingly drifting apart, and faith, moral values, and the family are being influenced by the numerous temptations of the modern world. Shio III noted that in such conditions, the ministry of the church becomes particularly difficult and demands even greater responsibility and effort from the clergy. “More labor and service are needed to preach the Christian faith and bring the living word of Christ to people’s hearts,” he stated. Catholicos-Patriarch […]
Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III stated that the modern world presents the Church with new challenges, while society faces spiritual alienation and a crisis of values.
During his first sermon as Patriarch at the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, he said that today people are increasingly drifting apart, and faith, moral values, and the family are being influenced by the numerous temptations of the modern world.
Shio III noted that in such conditions, the ministry of the church becomes particularly difficult and demands even greater responsibility and effort from the clergy.
“More labor and service are needed to preach the Christian faith and bring the living word of Christ to people’s hearts,” he stated.
The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia also emphasized that the church must share both the joy and the pain of the people.
He urged the clergy to be closer to society and more active in working with people. According to Shio III, the doors of the church should be open to everyone, and priests should not merely wait for parishioners inside the temple.
“The doors of the church must be opened wide for everyone. We should not merely wait for our neighbors to come from the church ambo (pulpit). We must show care and love for our spiritual children even beyond the temple walls—for those who, perhaps like prodigal children, do not dare to come to us,” he noted.
Shio III stated that the country’s future depends on the upbringing of children, who observe adults daily and learn from their example. According to the Patriarch, children especially need love, care, and support. He emphasized the importance of strengthening their faith in Christ, national values, respect for traditions, and a sense of responsibility toward the people and the church.
The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia noted that it is adults who, through their way of life, must serve as examples for future generations to raise united, faithful, and morally resilient citizens.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that education, social life, and daily life are based not only on knowledge but also on spiritual and Christian values of love.
In conclusion, Shio III referred to the Holy Scriptures, recalling the call for unity: “That they all may be one,” emphasizing that this is the essence of apostolic service and the Christian path.
