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 to turn to the Mother of God in prayer, asking her to help us overcome our passions, cleanse our souls from sin, and purify our spiritual garment,” he said.
Drawing on the Gospel reading of the day, the Patriarch stressed that spiritual defilement comes not from external things but from the sinful thoughts and passions that arise from the human heart. He encouraged the faithful to struggle against these passions through repentance and a life rooted in Christ.
“Possessing holy relics, with which Georgia is abundantly blessed, does not save us automatically,” Patriarch Shio said. “We must approach these sacred treasures with faith, prayer, repentance, and obedience to God’s commandments. Only then do we receive the grace contained within them and the help they offer for the salvation of our souls.”
The Patriarch also expressed gratitude to Metropolitan Gerasime of Zugdidi and Tsaishi for his pastoral ministry and praised his efforts in developing the annual Vlakhernoba celebrations into an event of nationwide significance.
Concluding his homily, Patriarch Shio invoked the prayers of the Mother of God for unity, peace, love, and spiritual strength, asking God to bless, protect, and preserve the people of Georgia. He also reiterated the words of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II that the reunification of the country should begin from Samegrelo, expressing confidence that the region would fulfill that calling.
