{"id":572400,"date":"2026-05-20T14:42:46","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T11:42:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/?p=572400"},"modified":"2026-05-20T14:42:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T11:42:46","slug":"georgia-family-marches-patriarch-shio-first-liturgy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/basilica.ro\/en\/georgia-family-marches-patriarch-shio-first-liturgy\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands join Family Marches across Georgia as Patriarch Shio celebrates first Liturgy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tens of thousands of Georgians took part in family marches on Sunday in several cities across the country. Following the rally in Tbilisi, Patriarch Shio III of Georgia celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Cathedral in the Georgian capital since his enthronement<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy did God grant man family life? In order to lead him towards the Kingdom of Heaven, because the family is a great school of love, where man learns this essential virtue necessary for the salvation of the soul \u2014 sacrificial love,\u201d His Beatitude said in his homily.<\/p>\n

The Patriarch of Georgia urged the faithful to preserve family values and to welcome all the children granted by God, warning that happiness cannot be built upon abortion.<\/p>\n

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Marches dedicated to family values \u200b\u200bwere organised in several cities in Georgia on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Photo: Patriarchate of Georgia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cOn the contrary, where every two or three years a child is born \u2014 an angel sent by God \u2014 there is happiness, because through his very existence he warms, enlightens and pours grace upon everyone around him,\u201d Patriarch Shio III said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cAs we know from large families and from parents themselves, the beginning is more difficult; up to the third child, the hardships are greater, but afterwards they diminish considerably, and it becomes easier to raise and guide a large family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Senior officials and representatives of Sister Churches<\/h2>\n
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The march in Tbilisi was followed by the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Patriarchal Cathedral. Photo: Patriarchate of Georgia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Attending the service were guests from the Sister Orthodox Churches and senior state officials, including Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.<\/p>\n

Similar marches also took place in the Georgian cities of Rustavi, Kutaisi, Gori, Batumi, Akhaltsikhe, Zugdidi, Telavi, Mtskheta and Ozurgeti.<\/p>\n

Participants \u2014 many dressed in traditional folk costumes \u2014 carried national flags and church banners while chanting religious hymns.<\/p>\n

About Georgia\u2019s family marches<\/h2>\n
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The March for the Sanctity of the Family was established in 2014 by Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia. Photo: Patriarchate of Georgia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The March for the Sanctity of the Family, held annually on the Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents, was established in 2014 at the initiative of the late Patriarch Ilia II in order to strengthen family values.<\/p>\n

Patriarch Ilia personally baptised every child born after the first two in Georgian families \u2014 a tradition that will be continued by the current Patriarch Shio III.<\/p>\n