Patriarch Shio III: army’s strength ‘must be shown in preserving peace’

Patriarch Shio III on Tuesday said the strength of the Georgian army should be reflected not in a desire for war, but in preserving peace.

Speaking in an Independence Day address, Shio III paid tribute to Georgia’s Defence Forces and servicemembers serving the country, saying they should serve as examples of responsibility, peace and patriotism.

The senior cleric described 26 May as one of the most important dates in Georgia’s history, symbolising the nation’s centuries-long struggle for freedom and the defence of Christian faith and values.

Shio III said the Georgian Orthodox Church had consistently served as a pillar of national unity and statehood throughout the country’s history, noting that the restoration of the Church’s autocephaly preceded the restoration of Georgia’s independence.

He also highlighted the role of late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II in strengthening national unity, religious life and Georgia’s international standing during his decades-long leadership of the Church.

Referring to the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity becoming Georgia’s state religion, Shio III said Christian values had shaped Georgian identity, culture and state consciousness for centuries.

Addressing young people, he warned against what he described as false interpretations of freedom, saying true freedom required responsibility, faith, moral integrity and inner strength.

Shio III said Georgia’s independence should be built on love of God and country, justice, peace, unity and tolerance.