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

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…