On Independence Day, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III addressed the youth with a message on the meaning of freedom and responsibility, citing the words of the Holy Apostle Paul and emphasizing that the younger generation is the country’s hope.
“I want to address our future generation: as the Holy Apostle Paul says, you are called to freedom, you are the hope and support of Georgia, and therefore it is crucial to correctly understand the essence of freedom,” the Patriarch stated.
Shio III noted that freedom should not be reduced to a mere political achievement or a legacy of the past—it must be strengthened daily.
“In the modern world, distorted perceptions of freedom are common. People are led to believe that freedom means the rejection of any restrictions. In reality, true freedom is, first and foremost, responsibility, faith in God, inner fortitude, and an honest and moral life; it is the overcoming of vices and passions, and the duty to do what is right and pleasing to God. It is a generation raised on these values that will be able to preserve the country’s unity and state independence,” he emphasized.
The new head of the Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) stated that working to strengthen freedom is a daily task.
“May state independence be founded on love for God and the Motherland, justice and peace, unity and tolerance, and service to one’s neighbor and the common good. A strong state is built when society is united by these virtues and by commitment to national goals and spiritual and moral values.
Once again, I congratulate everyone on Independence Day. May God bless and strengthen you! May God bless, strengthen, and unite all of Georgia!” Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III concluded.