Patriarch Shio III: Georgia needs both human effort and God’s support to achieve unity

Georgia needs not only human effort but also God’s will and support to achieve the country’s unity and strengthen it, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III said during a service in Martvili on Friday.

Reflecting on the biblical image of the vineyard entrusted to people by God, the patriarch said it symbolically represented each person’s life, mission and work.

He said people should carry out their responsibilities in a way that produces “good fruit” before God, regardless of whether their work is significant or modest.

Shio III pointed to the examples of King David IV the Builder and Giorgi of Chkondidi, whose commemoration was being observed, saying their cooperation and shared service to the country had been accompanied by divine support.

The top cleric said King David the Builder would visit Giorgi of Chkondidi at Martvili Monastery to seek his advice and blessing. He said the two figures complemented each other’s contributions and that their efforts ultimately contributed to the expansion and strengthening of Georgia.

Speaking about Georgia’s present and future, Shio III said it would be a mistake to believe that the country could achieve salvation, unity and strength through human abilities alone.

“Human effort and strength are not enough; what is also needed is God’s will and God’s support,” the patriarch said.

He called for the nation to unite around the goal of saving and restoring Georgia’s territorial unity, asking for the prayers of King David and Giorgi of Chqondidi.

Shio III also highlighted the role of Samegrelo in what he described as the country’s mission of unity, saying the region should continue to “stand guard over the unity” and territorial integrity of Georgia.

He concluded by blessing the Chkondidi Diocese, Samegrelo and Georgia and praying for the country’s unity, salvation, peace and divine mercy.