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

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,…