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Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III celebrates Feast of Saints Peter and Paul in Tbilisi

July 13, 2026 · 1 min read

The Georgian Orthodox Church celebrated the feast of the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Chief Apostles Peter and Paul on July 12, one of the most significant commemorations in the Church calendar.

Festive Divine Liturgies were celebrated in Orthodox churches throughout Georgia, marking the feast day of the two foremost Apostles of Christ.

The celebrations were observed with particular solemnity at the Church of the Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul in Tbilisi, where the festal Divine Liturgy was presided over by Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III.

Concelebrating with the Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church were Archbishop Spiridon of Skhalta, the parish rector, Archpriest Archil Mindiashvili, and other members of the clergy.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Shio III congratulated the faithful on the feast and delivered a homily dedicated to the spiritual significance of the commemoration of Saints Peter and Paul, whose missionary witness and devotion to Christ laid the foundations of the Church’s apostolic mission.

At the conclusion of the service, the Catholicos-Patriarch once again blessed the congregation gathered in the church and offered his…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Христина Петренко

Thank God that Patriarch Shio III himself led the service in the church of Saints Peter and Paul. It is very good that the missionary testimony of the apostles was mentioned - it is something that also reminds us, ordinary people, how important it is not only to pray, but also to live by faith. Thanks for the news.

Валентина Павлова

Thank God that Patriarch Shio III himself served in this church. Just last week in our Sunday school we were talking about the Apostle Peter, how he denied three times, and then spent his entire life redeeming himself with a mission. It’s good that they reminded us that it is also important for us, ordinary people, not only to go to church, but also to live by doing.

Δήμητρα Παπαγεωργίου

I agree with the ladies, it's good that Patriarch Sio III officiated right in the church of Saints Peter and Paul. I liked that he talked about their mission; it reminds us that even we ordinary people can show our faith with something small in our everyday life, like I did yesterday when I went to help the neighbor.

Ilie Radu

Praise God that Patriarch Shio III served precisely at the church of Saints Peter and Paul in Tbilisi. I liked that he talked about their apostolic mission - he also reminds us, the simple believers, that it is not enough just to go to church, but to live what we believe day by day, as they do with prayer and work.

Юрій Марченко

I agree, Khrystinka, it is good that the Patriarch himself served there, and did not just send someone. I also liked how he talked about missionary work—not just words, but a reminder that each of us can do something for others. And which church did you go to on this holiday?

Олександр Савченко

Yes, Yuri, it is good that the Patriarch did not delegate, but himself led the service in that church. I also remembered his words about missionary work - not lofty words, but simple: even in your family or at work you can be an apostle. And which church did you go to on the holiday?

Δήμητρα Νικολαΐδου

Yes, Demetra, I was also struck by your emphasis on mission; yesterday when I was making cookies for the church I thought exactly that, that even a little sweet can show a little love. How did the neighbor help you, with her hands?

Світлана Ткаченко

Yes, Alexander, I agree - it's good that the Patriarch himself ruled, and did not hand it over. I also liked how he spoke about apostolate in the family or at work, without pathos. What church were you in on July 12?

Χρήστος Βασιλείου

Yes, the mission starts with the simple, as you say. Yesterday, my neighbor Marika brought me some basil from her garden and said "take it, Christos, for the occasion". I finally put it inside the cookies and they came out more fragrant. What did you put in yours?