Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of Georgia emphasized the central importance of prayer in the spiritual life of Christians during his homily on the feast day of Saint David Garejeli, celebrated at the Monastery of David Gareja on May 28, 2026.
Addressing the faithful, clergy, and monastic brotherhood gathered at the historic monastery, the Catholicos-Patriarch spoke about the spiritual legacy of Saint David Garejeli and the founding fathers of Georgian monasticism, describing Saint David as “one of the great luminaries” of the Orthodox world who acquired immense grace before God through humility and prayer.
Patriarch Shio III reflected on the biblical teaching that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” stressing that humility, refraining from judging others, and awareness of one’s own sins are the shortest path toward acquiring the grace of the Holy Spirit.
At the same time, he underlined that such spiritual virtues cannot be attained without prayer.
“Prayer is the most important work, without which no other work in our life can properly proceed,” he said. “Prayer is the most powerful thing on this earth.”
Quoting Saint John Chrysostom, the Patriarch noted that nothing can compare to the power of prayer, through which sorrow and sadness disappear, demons flee, passions are calmed, and a person stands before the Heavenly Father.
Referring to the Gospel reading of the day, Patriarch Shio III recalled Christ’s words to His disciples: “Ask and you shall receive, so that your joy may be complete.” He encouraged the faithful to approach God in prayer with simplicity and childlike trust.
“Our prayer must be very simple, with a simple heart, without artificiality or tension — just as children ask something from their parents,” he said.
The Patriarch also stressed that true spiritual boldness in prayer comes through faith in Christ, love for Him, and living according to His teachings.
Concluding his homily, Patriarch Shio III invoked the intercessions of Saint David Garejeli for the strengthening of the monastery, the Church, and the entire nation of Georgia.
“May God, through the prayers of Saint David Garejeli, bless, strengthen, unite, and save all Georgia,” he said.
