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Patriarch Shio III: Georgia’s Holy Relics must be approached with faith, repentance, and prayer

July 15, 2026 · 1 min read

Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia called on the faithful to seek the intercessions of the Mother of God and to pursue spiritual purification during his homily on the Feast of the Deposition of the Robe of the Most Holy Theotokos at Blachernae, celebrated in Zugdidi on July 15.

Addressing clergy and faithful gathered for the feast known as Vlakhernoba, the Georgian Patriarch emphasized that the sacred relics preserved in Georgia are not merely historical treasures, but visible signs of the Theotokos’ continual protection and presence among her people.

Reflecting on Georgia’s unique spiritual heritage, he noted that the country is home to two of Christianity’s greatest relics: the Robe of Christ and the Robe of the Mother of God. He also recalled that this year marks 1,700 years since the Christianization of Georgia, underscoring the deep connection between the Christian faith and the nation’s identity, culture, and history.

Patriarch Shio urged believers to focus on the condition of their own souls, reminding them that Christians receive a spiritual garment through baptism but often stain it through sin, passions, and lack of faith.

“Today calls us to reflect and…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Gheorghe Munteanu

Yes, I also read about the two holy relics that we have, the Robe of Christ and the Robe of the Mother of God. I remembered what the Patriarch said about the garment of the soul that we soil with sins after baptism - it was as if he was speaking directly to me. May God help us to cleanse ourselves while there is still time, with prayer and repentance.

Alexandre Laurent

Yes, this passage about the dress of the soul that we soil after baptism also struck me. At home in Toulouse we celebrate the same thing on July 2 and I always tell myself that we need to wash this “dress” with a good confession before the party. May the Mother of God help us to keep it clean, as the Patriarch says.

Juliette Girard

Yes, this image of the stained dress after baptism really speaks for itself. In Toulouse we have the same party on July 2, and like you I always go through confession just before to leave clean. Let us pray to her to help us keep it clean every day.

Damien Moreau

Yes, this image of the stained dress remains striking, especially when we think of the relics we keep here. In Marseille, I do the same: confession before the party to leave feeling lighter, even if everyday life gets dirty quickly. Are you able to hold on longer afterward, or is it always a struggle day after day?

Adrian Marin

Yes, that part with the soiled soul coat after baptism stuck in my head too - it's like he sees us all. When I arrive at the service at St. Parascheva in Iași, I always think about how to wash away at least one stain with the evening prayer. What do you say, Gheorghe, do you have a particular prayer that helps you clean yourself more often?

Cécile Girard

Yes, this image of the dress of the soul soiled by sin remains strong. In Nice, we often prepare for the celebration with a good confession too, even if it is a little earlier at home. The Patriarch is right, you really need to come back to it often to keep it presentable.

Laurent Moreau

Yes, that image of the soiled dress really speaks. At home in Marseille we do the same, a confession before the party to leave a little cleaner. Are you preparing the Vlakhernoba festival in Nice with a Georgian priest or is it in your usual parish?

Isabelle Martin

Yes, this image of the dress stained by sin is really telling, we keep it in mind all year round. At home in Nice, we often go to confession before the feast at the Russian parish, even if the calendar falls a little differently. Do you usually do this with a French or Georgian priest?