Celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the Khoni and Samtredia Diocese were held in the Georgian city of Samtredia, attended by Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Shio III, President Mikheil Kavelashvili and representatives of the country's authorities.

The occasion also marked the 30th anniversary of the episcopal ministry of Metropolitan Sava (Gigiberia) and the 15th anniversary of the consecration of the local cathedral.

The central event was a solemn Divine Liturgy celebrated by Patriarch Shio III at the Cathedral of St. David the Builder. The service was attended by clergy, parishioners, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze and representatives of local government.

Following the liturgy, the newly established Samtredia School of Church Chant named after St. Philimon Koridze was officially opened. The institution aims to preserve and promote Georgia's rich tradition of polyphonic singing and Orthodox liturgical choral music.

Addressing the celebrations, Patriarch Shio III highlighted the significant development of the diocese over the past three decades. When Metropolitan Sava first took charge, the diocese had only eight churches and five clergy members, with no monasteries. Today, approximately 85 churches have been built or are under construction, the number of clergy has grown to around 40, and several monasteries have been established.

The Georgian Church leader also praised the work of the Orthodox School of St. Nazarius Lezhava and a charitable home, both of which contribute to education and assistance for those in need.

He stressed that the Church's mission should extend beyond the spiritual life of the faithful to include social support, the preservation of national culture and the upbringing of younger generations.

Patriarch Shio III separately expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Sava for his decades of service and his contribution to the development of the diocese. In recognition of his work, the Patriarch presented him with a panagia depicting the Saviour. Several other clergymen received ecclesiastical awards, while three were elevated to the rank of archpriest.

In his sermon, Patriarch Shio III urged the faithful to uphold Christian moral principles not only within the church but also in their everyday lives.

He particularly warned against seeking financial gain through unlawful means, even when such income is justified as being beneficial to one's family or country. "Such profit will bring no good to anyone," the Patriarch stressed.