The tradition of mass baptisms established by Ilia II will continue, as it has become a contributing factor to our nation’s demographic progress and spiritual strengthening, said His Holiness and Beatitude Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, during his sermon at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

According to the Patriarch, this year Georgia is marking Family Purity Day for the first time without Ilia II, who established this day; however, by celebrating it, his great spiritual legacy continues to live on.

“It is also symbolic that today our nation and Church are marking the Day of Family Purity and Respect for Parents, established by the blessed memory Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II. As you know, he attached great importance to the protection of moral values. This year we are observing this day for the first time without him, but through its celebration, his great spiritual legacy continues to live on — the love, unity, and respect for family purity that he instilled throughout his life among our people.

The tradition of mass baptisms he established will also continue, as it has become a contributing factor to our nation’s demographic progress and spiritual strengthening,” said the Patriarch.