Georgian Patriarch Shio III has highlighted the example of the Apostle John the Theologian, emphasizing his devotion to Jesus Christ and his teaching that love is the foundation of the Christian faith.

The patriarch made the remarks during a feast-day service at the Church of John the Theologian in Tbilisi, according to the Georgian Orthodox Church's official website.

Shio said that John most fully revealed the divine nature of Jesus Christ and demonstrated exceptional faithfulness to Him. While other disciples abandoned Jesus during His Passion, John remained at the cross alongside the Virgin Mary and several women, the patriarch noted.

Among the apostle's most important teachings, Shio highlighted the words “God is love,” a central message expressed in John's epistles.

The patriarch also emphasized the significance of the Gospel of John, which, he said, reveals not only the events of Christ's earthly life but also their deeper spiritual meaning. He specifically referred to the opening verses of the Gospel, which describe the divine nature of the Word made flesh.

Shio called on the faithful to strengthen their faith, practice love and humility, and remain mindful of their spiritual responsibilities. Addressing clergy in particular, he stressed the importance of studying Christian doctrine thoroughly and explaining its teachings accurately to parishioners.

During the service, the patriarch also recalled that Georgia is marking the 1,700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion in 2026.

To commemorate the anniversary, special pectoral crosses were presented to the clergy attending the service. Parishioners also received copies of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, preserved at Tbilisi's Sioni Cathedral.

The anniversary celebrations highlight Georgia's long-standing Orthodox Christian heritage and the role of the Church in the country's religious and cultural life.