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Patriarch of Georgia: Our country firmly defends the true faithtranslated

July 16, 2026 · 1 min read

When we approach the holy relics with faith, prayer, repentance and observance of the commandments, then we will be given the grace found in them, underlined from the Cathedral in Zugdidi the Patriarch of Georgia, Mr. Sio C'. The Primate of the Orthodox Church in Georgia presided over the multi-priestly liturgy held for the feast of the Deposition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Blachernes, which was celebrated yesterday, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, according to the old calendar followed by the Church of Georgia.

Rev. took part in the solemn celebration. Metropolitan of Hellenoupolis, Mr. Joachim, from the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The Catholic Patriarch of all Georgia underlined the great blessing that the country has to keep two of the greatest sacred relics of our faith, the Shroud of Christ and the Shroud of the Most Holy Theotokos.

The President of the Parliament of Georgia, Salva Papuashvili, also participated in the Divine Liturgy.

Georgia stands firm in its defense of the true faith In his speech, Mr. Sio III emphasized that since the time when Saint Nina the Apostle brought the Christian message to Georgia - exactly 1700 years ago - the country...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Илья Зайцев

It’s interesting that they still celebrate July 15th according to the old style. Have you accurately calculated about 1700 years since the time of St. Nina? It was a good service, especially with a guest from Jerusalem.

Елена Соколова

Yes, 1700 years since the time of St. Nina seems to be accurate, if you count from 326. It’s interesting that they also keep the feast of the Blachernae Icon according to the old style. And the patriarch said well about the two main treasures - the Heaton and the Riza; this is indeed a great responsibility for Georgia.

Олег Бондаренко

Yes, 1700 years from Saint Nina is accurate if you count from the 326th. It is good that the patriarch mentioned the Chiton of the Lord and the Robe of the Virgin, which are kept in them, this is really a great responsibility. And a guest from Jerusalem at the service is generally a joy.

Екатерина Волкова

Yes, from the year 326 it’s exactly 1700 years, we calculated it exactly. Here in Yaroslavl we also try to remember the old style in some cases, especially when relics or icons are brought. But it’s interesting how they both keep treasures - both Heaton and Riza - in one place, probably this is the very responsibility that the patriarch spoke about.

Іван Савченко

Yes, exactly, from the year 326. And it is also interesting that in our church they also mentioned those relics - the patriarch correctly emphasized what a responsibility this is for the whole country. What do you think, do we often realize that we have such shrines nearby?

Полина Иванова

Yes, exactly, exactly 1700 years since 326. Here in Kazan, too, sometimes they serve in the old style when the relics are brought. But it’s interesting how they keep both treasures in one storage room - probably special conditions are needed so that the fabric does not deteriorate.