Holy Hieromartyr Neopite of Urbnisi
November 10
(October 28 Old Calendar )
The holy hieromartyr Neopite of Urbnisi came from a line of Persian fire-worshippers. In the 7th century, under the orders of Saracen emir Mumni (Mu’min), the military leader Ahmad invaded Georgia with a massive army. After capturing Shida (Inner) Kartli, Ahmad dispatched commanders Omar and Burul to Mtskheta. At the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, the invaders spotted caves near Tsikhedidi in Sarkineti. They attempted to cross the Mtkvari but failed.
After consulting their captives, they learned the caves housed Shio-Mgvime Monastery, where God’s chosen monks lived in solitude, denying themselves all earthly pleasures. Astonished, Ahmad sent Omar to the monastery to ask for prayers and to bring gifts of aloe and incense.
As Omar approached the monastery, he saw a vision of angels descending from the heavens and an elder bathed in radiant light—St. Shio, the abbot of the monastery. Deeply moved by the monks’ humble demeanor and realizing the spiritual presence, Omar vowed to return, be baptized, and become a monk.
True to his word, Omar abandoned his wealth, rank, and possessions. He was baptized into the Christian faith at the Shio-Mgvime Monastery, taking the name Neopite (meaning “Newly Planted”). His two slaves were also baptized, taking the names Kristodule (Christ’s Slave) and Kristepore (Christ-bearer).
The Apostolic Life and Martyrdom of St. Neopite
St. Neopite was later consecrated as the bishop of Urbnisi, and he served as a father to his flock—strengthening the weak, healing the sick, and guiding the lost. However, his success in spreading Christianity angered the fire-worshippers, who conspired to kill him.
One day, they ambushed his cell, tied him up, and began mocking him. As they prepared to stone him, St. Neopite addressed his attackers with compassion, declaring his desire to leave the mortal world and confirming his dedication to the Church, founded upon the Precious Blood of Christ.
In his final moments, St. Neopite cried, “Lord Jesus Christ, receive my soul!” The pagans stoned him to death, and thus, the holy hieromartyr entered into eternal life.
A Final Prayer
With hymns, we praise the newly planted one, the Holy Neopite, who was stained red with his own blood. O Honorable Father, pray to Him Who has crowned thee, for the undisturbed peace of His Holy Church!