Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III: Transfiguration must begin with our relationship with our neighbor

Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia called on the faithful to understand the Feast of the Transfiguration as a call to personal spiritual transformation, beginning with their relationships with others.

In his homily for the feast on August 19, 2026, the Georgian Patriarch stressed that Christian transformation means becoming better according to God’s will through repentance, patience, humility, love and service to others.

Transfiguration begins with our neighbor

Reflecting on how spiritual transformation can become a reality in everyday life, Patriarch Shio said that the first step should be improving one’s relationship with one’s neighbor.

“We must begin our transfiguration with our neighbor, by improving our relationship with them. We must try to become more patient,” he said.

The Patriarch urged the faithful to refrain from speaking badly about others or responding with vengeance and instead to serve and assist those around them, particularly people experiencing illness or other hardships.

If Christians persevere in this effort, he said, God’s grace can gradually transform their character. A lazy person can become diligent, a sorrowful person joyful, a…