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Patriarch of Georgia Sio III: We are spiritual heirs of the Holy Apostles and Patriarch Ilias IItranslated

July 14, 2026 · 1 min read

To show themselves worthy of the mission and the work of the Holy Apostles as well as of Saint Nina, who transmitted the Christian teaching and enlightened Georgia 1700 years ago, the Patriarch invited the clergy and the people of the country. Sio III, emphasizing that they are now the spiritual heirs as well as the work left behind by the blessed Catholic Patriarch Ilias II. Report office ope.gr

The Primate of the Georgian Orthodox Church presided over the solemn Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Svetichoveli – where, according to tradition, the Patriarchs of the Church of Georgia are enthroned. This church is also dedicated to the Synagogue of the Holy 12 Apostles.

Patriarch Sio III described the Holy Apostles as those personalities who, with their virtues, constitute the foundation of our Church. "It can be said that the fact that our nation exists and lives today is due to their virtues and preaching, because the adoption of Christianity and the subsequent devotion to the Orthodox Church led to the salvation of our nation both physically and spiritually. Of course, we believe that devotion to...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Claire Bernard

It is beautiful to see that the Patriarch recalls the role of Saint Nino and Catholicos Ilia II. The fact that Svetitskhoveli Cathedral is dedicated to the Twelve Apostles and that the patriarchs are enthroned there gives even more weight to his words. It makes you think about what we really pass on to our children in Lyon.

Damien Moreau

Yes, Saint Nino really changed everything for Georgia 1700 years ago, it’s impressive. In Marseille we also try to pass this on to younger people, even if it is more discreet than in Lyon. What do you actually do with your children to introduce them to these saints?

Кирил Стоянов

Saint Nina really changed everything there 1700 years ago, as it says. Here in Bulgaria we also pray for her on her feast day, and in church we tell the children how she carried the Cross. I wonder if there are still living legends from her time in Georgia.

Цветанка Илиева

Yes, St. Nina did indeed carry the cross and convert kings and nations. In Georgia, to this day, they tell how she planted the vine in Bodbe, from which they make wine for liturgy. And in which church do you tell the children about it?

Георги Колев

Yes, St. Nina is great, and this vine in Bodbe is a real miracle - the wine from it is still used for liturgy today. I tell the children in the church "St. Marina" in Plovdiv, especially on her feast day. And which church do you go to with yours?