Patr. Shio of Georgia Becomes Godfather to Over 600 Children

Photo: UOJ-Ukraine

TBILISI — As reported by UOJ-Georgia, the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, Patr. Shio, has now become the godfather of more than 600 children following the latest large-scale baptism ceremony held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) in Tbilisi.

On June 7, 2026, after the completion of the 73rd mass baptism, Patr. Shio arrived at the cathedral to bless the newly baptized children. The sacrament had been conducted over several hours by cathedral clergy before the Patriarch’s arrival, in keeping with the established liturgical practice of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

The tradition of mass baptisms is typically applied to third and subsequent children in married families, and is presented within the Georgian Church as a pastoral effort to support larger households. Church officials also describe the practice as one element within broader social encouragement of family life in Georgia, particularly in response to demographic concerns.

The June ceremony is noted as the first mass baptism held since the enthronement of Patr. Shio III. The initiative continues a long-standing practice associated with the Georgian Orthodox Church, which gained prominence under the leadership of the late Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II, who reportedly served as godfather to tens of thousands of children over the course of his tenure.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Shio hosted American officials at the patriarchal residence.

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