Patriarch of Georgia: I kneel and ask forgiveness from all whom I have hurt

Patriarch Ilia. Photo: Press service of the Georgian Church

March 2, 2025 – Patriarch Ilia addressed the faithful with a message ahead of Great Lent, calling for mutual forgiveness and reconciliation. The message was published on the official Facebook page of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

In his address to the "spiritual children of the Georgian Orthodox Church, both in Georgia and abroad," the Catholicos-Patriarch reminded them of the importance of forgiving one another and seeking forgiveness.

"By God's mercy, the eve of Great Lent has come once again – a day of forgiveness and absolution of sins toward one another," the message states.

The Patriarch noted that people often find it difficult to take the step toward reconciliation – either to ask for forgiveness or to let go of resentment. However, he urged the faithful to remember the example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world for our salvation, performed many miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead, and brought hope, comfort, and joy to many – yet was condemned to crucifixion.

"And even then, the Savior prayed to God the Father for those who rejected Him and did not defend Him, asking Him to forgive them for their wrongdoing and not to remember their transgressions," the Patriarch emphasized.

Ilia II acknowledged that modern Christians often lack such spirituality, but he stressed that they should strive to take similar steps if they wish to be Christians not only in name but in essence.

"For God's sake, let us be merciful to one another so that the Lord may also have mercy on us and forgive our sins," he urged.

At the conclusion of his message, Patriarch Ilia II spoke words that deeply moved many believers:

"And I, humble Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, kneel and ask forgiveness from everyone: from those whom I have wronged, whether knowingly or unknowingly; from those whose requests I failed to heed; from those whose pain I failed to share... Forgive me and have mercy on me. I pray to the Lord that, through the intercession of all His saints, He may forgive my sins and grant me His strength and your faithfulness."

The Patriarch also prayed to God for the forgiveness of both voluntary and involuntary sins of all believers, for the eradication of the spirit of judgment, envy, hostility, and malice, and for the gift of a wise heart, a pure heart, and a righteous spirit.

"May the Most Holy Trinity grant us peace, a Lenten season of repentance, and the joy of the Resurrection. Amen!" the Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church concluded.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Patriarch of Georgia had called on Trump to defend traditional Christian values.

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