Children are baptized during a mass baptism ceremony in the town of Mtskheta outside Tbilisi, July 13, 2010.
About 700 children were baptized by the Georgian Orthodox church during the 12th mass baptism ceremony led by Patriarch Ilia II. Georgia had a big declining birth rate until Patriarch Iliya said he would personally bless each baby, so now the birthrate is increasing and they are getting blessings and baptisms from the Patriarch!
That’s a missionary spirit. God bless the Church in Georgia!
Shirley Peters says
I spent several weeks in Tblisi, GA., in November, 1991. It was right before the overthrow of Gumsogorda (sp?). People in GA are great believers and am not surprised of the number of baptised children. Love to all the people of GA and my friend Nellie Koveashivilli I pray she is still alive and well. Also to her daughter and gson.
Marianne Poulos says
This is the most beautiful photo I’ve seen in my life!