Around 1,500 children were baptized on October 25 in the Georgian village of Khichauri as part of a longstanding tradition in which the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia becomes the godfather of newly baptized children, the Georgian Patriarchate announced on social media.

The ceremony took place at the Church of the Iberian Icon of the Mother of God at St. Tbel Abuseridze University, located in the Diocese of Skhalta. The liturgy was led by Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III, joined by Georgian bishops and clergy.

Following the service, Patriarch Shio delivered a sermon and blessed the newly baptized children. He also presented awards to several diocesan clergy members in recognition of their service to the Church.

The tradition of mass baptisms was introduced in Georgia in 2008 at the initiative of Patriarch Ilia II. He offered to become the godfather of the third and every subsequent child in Orthodox families as a way to encourage higher birth rates and strengthen Orthodox Christian traditions.

Since its introduction, the initiative has become a regular feature of religious life in Georgia, with mass baptism ceremonies attracting hundreds and sometimes thousands of participants.

The practice reflects the Georgian Orthodox Church’s efforts to support families and encourage the continuation of the country’s Orthodox Christian heritage.