On the fourth Sunday after Pascha, known as the Sunday of the Paralytic, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsku, Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne of the Georgian Orthodox Church, delivered a profound homily at the Holy Trinity Patriarchal Cathedral in Tbilisi, focusing on the Gospel account of Christ healing the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda.
Addressing the faithful, the Metropolitan recalled the suffering of the paralytic, who had endured illness for thirty-eight years while lying near the pool in Jerusalem, waiting for healing waters stirred by an angel. Despite his proximity to the source of healing, he had no one to assist him into the water. Christ, seeing his condition, approached him and asked, “Do you want to be made well?” Upon hearing the man’s reply that he had no one to help him, the Lord commanded him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk,” and immediately the man was healed.
Metropolitan Shio emphasized that this Gospel passage reveals not only a miraculous physical healing, but also the deeper tragedy of fallen human nature and the transformative power of divine grace. He noted that the paralytic symbolizes humanity after the Fall—separated from God, weakened, and unable to move toward the good without divine assistance. The man’s words, “I have no one,” were described as a powerful expression of spiritual isolation and the brokenness of human relationships.
At the same time, the Metropolitan highlighted the virtues cultivated by the paralytic through years of suffering: patience, humility, endurance, faith, and wisdom. These qualities, he said, made him worthy of receiving God’s grace. He also pointed out the remarkable fact that Christ took the initiative to approach the man, demonstrating that divine grace always precedes human effort.
Drawing a parallel to the present day, Metropolitan Shio explained that the Church itself is the true “Pool of Bethesda,” where healing is continually offered. The waters of this spiritual pool, he said, are the grace of God active within the Orthodox Church. Unlike the Old Testament pool, where only one person could be healed at a time, the grace of the New Testament is abundant and accessible to all. No matter how many come seeking healing, all can be restored, purified, and spiritually renewed.
Quoting Saint John Chrysostom, he noted that while the ancient waters became less pure with use, the grace of the Church becomes even more sanctifying as more people partake in it. However, he stressed that in order to receive this healing, a person must sincerely desire it, pray with all their heart, and heed the teachings of the Church. He also underlined the importance of having others who guide and support individuals in their spiritual journey.
In his concluding remarks, Metropolitan Shio recalled the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II and the tradition of mass baptisms he established, expressing hope that this spiritually fruitful practice will continue in the Georgian Church.
He ended his sermon with heartfelt blessings, praying that the Lord grant healing, purification, and spiritual resurrection to all, and invoking strength and grace upon the faithful.
