The newly enthroned Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III, said it is impossible to fully comprehend God’s intention or answer why such a profound spiritual responsibility was entrusted to him, while emphasizing that he is fully aware of the honor, greatness and weight of the role.
Delivering his first sermon as Patriarch, Shio III said he now feels even more deeply how difficult and thorny the path of spiritual leadership was for his predecessor, Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II.
“It is impossible to discern the intention of the Lord and to find an answer to the question of why God allowed, why He willed, that such a great burden of grace and service be placed upon me. However, I am aware of its honor, its greatness and its weight,” Shio III said.
Reflecting on the legacy of past patriarchs, the new Catholicos-Patriarch said he bows “with filial love” before the great apostolic and spiritual inheritance of his predecessors and prayed for strength to continue their path.
“Today, standing before this great apostolic and spiritual heritage, I kneel with filial love before the labor of the great Catholicos-Patriarchs who came before me. I pray to their blessed souls to grant me strength and support, so that, like them, I may be a good shepherd, lay down my life for my flock and humbly bear the heavy cross of the Patriarchate,” he said.
Shio III noted that in these moments he especially feels “how thorny and difficult” the path of spiritual leadership was for Ilia II, calling on the faithful to preserve and continue his legacy.
“As obedient and loving children, we must cherish his spiritual heritage and continue his path — the path of service to God, the homeland and humanity. We must faithfully work to strengthen the Church and faith, spread love among people, and establish unity and peace,” he stated.
The Patriarch also recalled the “God-blessed past” of the Georgian Church and nation, its patron saints, heroic ancestors and holy kings and queens, saying this deepened his sense of humility and human frailty.
Shio III thanked members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and the faithful for their trust, prayers and support during what he described as difficult days.
“I would especially like to thank you, our beloved people, our congregation, for your prayers and support during these difficult days and moments. I also want to thank our proud clergy and monastic community for their prayers, support and love,” he said.
Shio III was enthroned as the 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia during a solemn ceremony at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral on May 12.
