Metropolitan Shio: Patriarch Ilia II’s love became a source of faith and hope
In Georgia, Metropolitan Shio said in his sermon on the 40th day after Patriarch Ilia II’s repose that his love and ministry became a source of faith, hope, and spiritual renewal for the people.
On April 25, the 40th day after the repose of Patriarch Ilia II, Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu delivered a sermon during the service at the Dormition Cathedral in Tbilisi, UOJ in Georgia reports.
Addressing the clergy and faithful, Metropolitan Shio noted that the past 40 days had become a time of deep reflection on the personality of the departed primate and on the spiritual state of society. According to him, “it was a time of reflection, of renewed understanding… and of coming to know ourselves and our people,” while the “majestic silence” that settled after the Patriarch’s repose “inspired reverence, love, and spiritual awakening.”
The hierarch stressed that Patriarch Ilia II was a true spiritual guide for the people: “The Lord revealed him to us as a true shepherd, leading his flock to God… like Moses, showing the path of salvation.” He also recalled the words of the Apostle Paul: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
Speaking about the significance of the Patriarch’s ministry, Metropolitan Shio said that “Christ lived in his deeds, in his daily labor, in his very person,” and that the people’s response to this love has been an unceasing stream of visitors to his grave: “People of all ages want to express their love and gratitude to him, and it is especially joyful to see young people among them.”
Referring to the first Pascha without the primate, he acknowledged that the faithful experienced sorrow and confusion, but emphasized: “This grief was overcome by the great spirit of faith and hope in God,” recalling the Gospel words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”
Metropolitan Shio also expressed confidence that “the Patriarch’s soul will inherit the eternal Kingdom” and will intercede for the people, calling on the faithful to continue his path, founded on love for God, the Church, and one’s neighbor.
In conclusion, he thanked God for the years of the Patriarch’s ministry and said: “May God bless and strengthen you, and may God heal Georgia. Christ is Risen!”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that memorial services would be held at Patriarch Ilia’s grave for 40 days.
