Georgian Patriarch Shio III calls for stronger efforts to bring faith to people’s hearts

His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, on Tuesday called for a proactive approach to ministry, urging the clergy to move beyond the physical walls of the church to reach those in need of spiritual guidance.

Speaking at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral following the enthronement ceremony, the Patriarch said the Church should not wait only within the walls of the temple for believers to come.

“We need to open the doors of the Church widely to everyone. We should not merely wait for our neighbor to come to the pulpit of the temple, but also meet and embrace our spiritual children beyond the walls of the Church - those who, like the prodigal son, may not dare to come to us”, the Patriarch stated.

He noted that modern life presents new and serious challenges, saying that people’s hearts have become alienated and cold, while numerous temptations are replacing faith, moral values, family, and loved ones.

“The burden of shepherding the Church has become twice as difficult today. It is challenging to respond worthily to the trials of this world as a faithful and wise servant, yet greater effort and dedication are essential to preach the faith of Christ and bring His living word to people’s hearts”, he said.

The Patriarch emphasised that the Church must share equally in both the joy and pain of the people, serving as their support and guidance.

“The strength of the Church lies not only in words. Its calling, given by Christ, is rooted in love and in bearing one another’s burdens”, the Patriarch added.