Patriarch Shio: Christianity is the foundation of Georgian identity

Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III speaks at the international conference in Tbilisi. Photo: mzk.ge

On October 2, 2026, Patriarch Shio III of Georgia addressed an international conference in Tbilisi titled “The Foundations of European Civilization and 1,700 Years of Christianity in Georgia,” UOJ-Georgia reports.

The Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church congratulated participants on the anniversary, as Georgia marks 1,700 years since Christianity was declared the state religion.

The Patriarch welcomed clergy from various countries, members of parliamentary delegations, leaders of European Christian churches, and representatives of international church organizations. He said the conference not only commemorated a historic event but also offered an opportunity to reflect on the Georgian people's centuries-long Christian journey and their spiritual and national heritage.

Patriarch Shio III recalled the origins of Christianity in Georgia, including the Robe of the Lord (Christ's tunic), which is preserved in the country; Georgia's status as the earthly allotment of the Mother of God; the preaching of the Apostles Andrew the First-Called, Simon the Canaanite, and Matthias; and the missionary labors of St. Nina, Equal-to-the-Apostles.

He emphasized that Christianity shaped the Georgian people's worldview, culture, written language, and national identity. Despite the hardships of their history, he said, Georgians had preserved their faith, language, and homeland.

Turning to the present day, the Primate spoke of wars, divisions, and temptations that threaten to displace faith and moral values. He stressed the enduring importance of love for God and neighbor, mercy, responsibility, justice, tolerance, and the pursuit of peace.The Patriarch devoted a substantial part of his address to the institution of the family. He thanked the Georgian president for emphasizing these values and underscored that the family is the foundation of morality and national identity, while the strength of families determines the strength of the state. He also called on the Church, society, and state institutions to discuss these issues in a spirit of mutual respect.

As the UOJ previously reported, Georgia hosted a conference marking the 1,700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity. The anniversary celebrations began in the summer and will conclude on October 14.

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