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Patriarch of Georgia: May the Lord help us learn repentance and live our life faithfully

July 8, 2026 · 1 min read

The Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Shio III, emphasized the enduring message of repentance and spiritual vigilance during his homily on the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Senaki on July 7.

Addressing hierarchs, clergy, and faithful, the Patriarch congratulated the congregation on the feast and reflected on the life and mission of St. John the Baptist, whom Christ described as “the greatest among those born of women.”

“He was the great preacher of repentance,” the Patriarch said, noting that John prepared Israel and all humanity to receive the Savior. He stressed that repentance is not merely an initial step in the Christian life but a lifelong journey, accompanying believers “from youth to old age.”

Recalling the miraculous circumstances of the saint’s birth and his ascetic life in the wilderness, the Patriarch highlighted John’s call to repentance and faith in the coming Messiah. He noted that through his holiness and zeal, St. John was found worthy to become the Forerunner and Baptizer of Jesus Christ.

The Patriarch underscored the continuing relevance of the saint’s message today.

“St. John the Baptist,…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Георги Колев

Amen. I especially liked how the Patriarch said that repentance is not only at the beginning, but accompanies us from youth to old age. That's right, every day there is something to repent of. Thanks for the reminder.

Михаил Виноградов

Yes, I definitely noticed about repentance before old age. When I’m fishing, I often get it in my head that yesterday I was rude to my wife over small things, and today it’s the same thing again. Thank you for reminding me how John the Baptist lived this all his life.

Пётр Богданов

Yes, they correctly noted about repentance from youth to old age. When I’m fishing, it often comes up like yesterday I snapped at my wife over a trifle, and today it’s the same thing again. Thank you for reminding me how John lived this all his life.

Φωτεινή Σταθοπούλου

Yes, I liked that the Patriarch said that repentance accompanies us from youth to old age. It's not just for the beginning. Last night when I was doing the dishes I thought about how many times I've nagging my daughter unfairly about lessons, and today it's the same again. Thanks for the reminder.

Христо Димитров

Yes, Georgi, that's exactly what stuck in my head - repentance is not a one-time event, but a daily work. In the shop every day I see myself getting irritated over little things and then I have to fix myself. What most often weighs you down in this "something every day"?

Румяна Петрова

Yes, Christo, every day I also find myself getting angry at the queue at the store or at the neighbor who left the trash again. Then in the evening I pray and tell myself - tomorrow more carefully. What annoys you the most in the store, the customers or the cashiers?

Илия Кирилов

Blush, that's right - I do the same thing, especially when a customer is arguing at the cash register for a small amount. Then in the evening I remember the Patriarch's words that repentance lasts until old age. And what do you do when the next day the same thing happens again?

Николай Христов

Ilya, I also get annoyed at such petty disputes at the cash register, especially as a pensioner who counts every penny. Then, in the evening of prayer, I remember that repentance is not only for the young, and now at 67. And what do you usually buy that your customers fight over so little?

Иван Атанасов

Yes, Nikolai, that's right - repentance does not stop at 60 or 70, but continues as long as we breathe. As an accountant, I see how people fight over 20-30 cents at the cash register, and then forget these same cents in their jacket pocket. I mostly buy bread, cheese and tomatoes from the market, nothing special. And what do you read in the evening before prayer, a book or just the biographies?