Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III has addressed the demographic situation in Georgia. He stated that in the absence of family support and birth rate growth, there is a risk that Georgians could become a minority in their own country.
“If we do not rectify our demographic situation, if we do not care for the strengthening, salvation, and preservation of the family, we face a real danger that other peoples who love children, do not abandon their children, protect their religion, and therefore multiply well, will settle in our beautiful country alongside us,” he explained.
Shio III called for the preservation of legislation aimed at protecting the family and “traditional values,” and spoke out against its repeal.
Speaking to the faithful gathered in the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, the Patriarch stated that Georgia needs to “strengthen and reinforce” its family protection policy, as he believes this is a prerequisite for the preservation and development of the state.
Shio III also urged the preservation of legislation which, according to him, should “protect the family and the people from harmful gender theories and ideology.”
“We must not abandon this legislation, as some urge us to do; on the contrary, we must strengthen and reinforce this direction of family protection and preservation. This is the key to the preservation and growth of our country,” stated the new primate of the GOC (Georgian Orthodox Church).
Patriarch of Georgia Speaks on Family, Abortion, and Traditional Values