Patriarch of Georgia celebrated St. John the Theologian’s feast, honored Clergy

Patriarch Shio III of Georgia presided over the festive Divine Liturgy at the Church of St. John the Theologian in the Vera district of Tbilisi on Friday, October 9, 2026, on the occasion of the feast of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist.

Concelebrating with the Patriarch were the rector of the church, Archimandrite Adam (Akhaladze), and other clergy.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Shio III led a procession around the church before addressing the congregation. He congratulated the faithful on the feast and spoke about the significance of the day.

At the conclusion of his sermon, the Patriarch presented commemorative priestly crosses to the clergy who participated in the service. The crosses were made to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the declaration of Christianity as the state religion of Georgia.

He also distributed copies of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, associated with the Sioni Cathedral in Tbilisi, to the faithful.

Photos: Nino Sozashvili