Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, Attends Festive Liturgy Marking the Nativity of the Theotokos

To mark the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, a festive liturgy was celebrated at the Batumi Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God. The service was led by His Holiness Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Archbishop of Mtskheta-Tbilisi, and Metropolitan of Bichvinta and Tskhum-Abkhazia, alongside members of the Holy Synod and the clergy.

Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, attended the divine service accompanied by his family. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the congregation gathered at the cathedral and to the wider public.

"Today, we unite in celebrating the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God. It brings us immense joy that His Holiness Shio III, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, is with us here in Batumi. Under his blessing, the clergy, pilgrims, and our fellow citizens are marking this momentous occasion together. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on this holy feast to the people of Ajara and to all of Georgia. Our country is distinguished by its profound spiritual heritage, and today stands as a clear testament to that," stated Zurab Pataradze.

The liturgy was also attended by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Sulkhan Tamazashvili; the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Ajara, Tsotne Ananidze; members of the Parliament of Georgia; the Mayor of Batumi Municipality; as well as representatives of the Government of Ajara, the Supreme Council, and local self-government bodies.

Notably, this festive liturgy marks His Holiness Shio III’s inaugural service in the region since his elevation to Catholicos-Patriarch.