Patriarch Shio III of Georgia delivered a sermon on the Feast of the Ascension on May 21, 2026, at the Ascension Church in Tbilisi, emphasizing Christ’s enduring presence among the faithful and the spiritual meaning of the Ascension.
Addressing clergy and worshippers gathered for the feast, the Georgian Patriarch reflected on the Gospel account of Christ’s final appearance to His disciples before ascending into heaven from the Mount of Olives.
“Today we celebrate the event when the Lord Jesus Christ spoke for the last time with His apostles, appeared to them for the final time, and commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the descent of the Holy Spirit,” Patriarch Shio said.
He noted that although the disciples experienced a physical separation from Christ, they returned to Jerusalem “with great joy,” because their faith had been strengthened and because Christ promised that He would remain with them forever.
Quoting the Gospel of Matthew, the Patriarch recalled Christ’s words: “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
“These words were not intended only for the apostles,” he stressed. “They are meant for Christians of every age, for all of us.”
Patriarch Shio emphasized that Christ continues to fulfill this promise today through His grace, love, and presence in the life of the Church.
“We truly see that the Lord is still with us today,” he said. “Through His grace, His word, and His love, He dwells within us and acts among us.”
The Georgian Primate added that if believers fail to feel God’s presence, the reason lies within themselves.
“If some of us do not notice or feel His presence, it means there is some obstacle within us,” he said. “Perhaps we do not love Him enough or do not think about Him sufficiently.”
The Patriarch also reflected on the Second Coming of Christ, describing the Ascension as a promise that the Lord will return again “as King and Judge.” He encouraged the faithful to remember that earthly life is temporary and that Christians are called to seek “the things above.”
“Our true and eternal homeland is in heaven,” he said, echoing the teachings of St. John Chrysostom.
Concluding his sermon, Patriarch Shio prayed for the spiritual elevation and strengthening of Georgia and its people.
“May the Lord grant your spiritual ascension, the spiritual ascension of every one of us, and the spiritual strengthening, unity, and salvation of Georgia,” he said.
