Eminence Grigol: Patriarch’s legacy must be developed, not merely preserved

Metropolitan Grigol of Poti and Khobi has said that the legacy of the late Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia should not only be preserved but further developed, stressing that there was “no reason for hopelessness or despair.”

Speaking during the Holy Thursday service at Poti Cathedral, Bishop Grigol praised Patriarch Ilia II for his decades of spiritual leadership and contribution to the Georgian Orthodox Church.

“We honour His Holiness and express gratitude for the great work he has done,” Eminence Grigol said “What he has built requires not only preservation, but development.”

He noted that the Patriarch had worked tirelessly since assuming the patriarchal throne, carrying the burden of spiritual leadership and guiding the Church through some of the most difficult periods in Georgia’s modern history.

“His labour and prayers produced results even in the most challenging times, when achieving such progress was extremely difficult,” he added.

The top cleric also expressed concern over what he described as widespread religious ignorance, saying it was “painful” that many baptised Christians had never received Holy Communion.

“It is deeply troubling when many people, though baptised Christians, have never taken communion. This reflects religious ignorance and a lack of understanding of our faith,” he said.

In his sermon, the metropolitan also reflected on Georgia’s recent history, linking the Church’s role to the country’s independence movement and commemorating the victims of the 9 April 1989 tragedy.

“Today is 9 April,” he said. “We prayed for those who died and were injured on that day. May God grant rest to their immortal souls.”

He described the declaration of Georgia’s independence on 9 April 1991 as the greatest tribute to those who lost their lives during the Soviet crackdown two years earlier.

Eminence Grigol also said the struggle for freedom demonstrated that gaining independence was difficult, while preserving it was “even harder.”

“Freedom is difficult to obtain, and even more difficult to maintain. It requires wisdom, reason, and the use of many talents and abilities in public life,” he said.

Expressing optimism for the country’s future, the cleric said he believed Georgia would continue to develop and prosper.

“I believe our country will progress, and its prosperity will stand as a lit candle in honour of those who sacrificed themselves for Georgia’s freedom and well-being,” he said.

Concluding his address, Eminence Grigol offered blessings for Georgia, its people, and the memory of those who had given their lives for the nation throughout history.

“God bless our homeland, bless our devoted patriots in every era, including those who died on 9 April,” he said.