Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of Georgia met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, who led a delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate. According to Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, the pair discussed the difficulties facing the Georgian Orthodox Church in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. Jagmaidze described these challenges as an unhealed wound affecting relations between the two peoples. Both sides acknowledged opportunities to improve church life in these areas. The meeting also honored the legacy of former leader Ilia II. The Georgian Patriarchate stated that the discussion offers hope for finding positive steps to address these painful issues and strengthen contacts with local Orthodox communities.
The Conservative Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia (CEBC) in Georgia is preparing to create foundational belief documents. This follows significant challenges, including the loss of property, financial support, and members. The organization remains committed to biblical teachings on marriage, family, and Christ. Leaders plan to meet soon to finalize these documents and instruct the remaining network of 25 small churches. The goal is to help the surviving congregations understand their evangelical identity and collaborate for future growth. The group emphasizes the need for unity and wise stewardship of resources and spiritual gifts as they move forward.
The International Mission Board reports that Georgia once had a strong evangelical Baptist presence, but many churches have since declined or vanished. Workers recently partnered with a local pastor to identify revitalization opportunities in surrounding villages. A volunteer team is scheduled to host a children's camp in the area to support these efforts. The initiative aims to help the local church body recover its former vitality in the region.
Approximately 1,500 individuals were baptized on Sunday, October 25, 2026, in the village of Khichauri, located in Georgia’s Shuakhevi Municipality. The mass ceremony took place within the Diocese of Skhalta and marked a significant event in the Georgian Orthodox Church’s tradition. According to the report, the participants became godchildren of Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of All Georgia. This large-scale baptism highlights the ongoing spiritual activities and traditions maintained by the church leadership in the region.
The Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences highlighted the centenary of World Mission Sunday, emphasizing unity and missionary renewal across the region. The event spans multiple nations in Asia, aiming to strengthen collaborative efforts among bishops and missionary groups. This commemoration serves as a focal point for discussing the future of evangelization and church cooperation in diverse cultural contexts throughout the continent. The FABC uses this milestone to encourage renewed dedication to global mission work, fostering solidarity among Christian communities facing various challenges in the area.
Metropolitan Rostislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia addressed celebrations at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, Georgia, marking 1,700 years since Christianity became the state religion. He honored St. Nino and compared her work to St. Ludmila’s role in Central Europe. To symbolize unity, he presented Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III with an icon containing a relic of St. Ludmila. The Metropolitan emphasized shared spiritual heritage and called for deeper mutual understanding among Orthodox Christians. He expressed hope that these intercessions would strengthen church relations and guide younger generations toward the faith. The event highlighted enduring bonds despite geographical distance.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a message to Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of Georgia on October 12, 2026, marking the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity becoming the state religion. Addressed to the faithful at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the letter honored St. Nino and emphasized Orthodox unity. The Patriarch highlighted the Church's duty to care for the poor and ill. He recalled his March 2026 visit to Tbilisi for the funeral of the late Patriarch Ilia II. The message aims to strengthen bonds among Orthodox Churches and promote reconciliation. Bartholomew wished Shio III wisdom in his new role. The anniversary celebrations took place on October 14 in Georgia.
Georgia celebrated the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity becoming its state religion on October 14, 2026, with a solemn Divine Liturgy at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III presided over the service, emphasizing the faith's role in preserving national identity. The event included representatives from various Orthodox Churches, though delegations from Russia and Poland were absent. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory message honoring St. Nino. The anniversary commemorates the fourth-century conversion under King Mirian III and St. Nino, marking a pivotal moment in Georgian history.
Georgia is commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity becoming the state religion through an international symposium titled “God, Homeland, Human.” Held in Georgia, the event gathered political and religious leaders to discuss the faith's role in national identity. Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and President Mikheil Kavelashvili addressed the gathering. The Patriarch called for peace in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, while the Prime Minister and President highlighted the Georgian Orthodox Church's historical contribution to statehood and unity. The symposium emphasized preserving Christian heritage against modern challenges like globalization.
Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III of Georgia met with Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, who led a delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate. According to Archpriest Andria Jagmaidze, the pair discussed the difficulties facing the Georgian Orthodox Church in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region. Jagmaidze described these challenges as an unhealed wound affecting relations between the two peoples. Both sides acknowledged opportunities to improve church life in these areas. The meeting also honored the legacy of former leader Ilia II. The Georgian Patriarchate stated that the discussion offers hope for finding positive steps to address these painful issues and strengthen contacts with local Orthodox communities.
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