Saint Tsotne Dadiani
Memory 12 August
Saint Tsotne Dadiani, a righteous military leader and prince of Egrisi, lived in the mid-13th century, during a time when Georgia suffered under the Mongol yoke. Following the death of Queen Rusudan, the Mongols imposed excessive tribute on the Georgian princes and enforced compulsory military service. The Georgian nobility, suffering under this oppression, conspired to rise against the invaders.
Gathering at the summit of Mt. Kokhta in Meskheti, the rulers of Georgia planned to unite their forces from Kartli and launch a unified assault. Tsotne Dadiani, along with the ruler of Racha, were among the first to rally their troops. However, the Mongols, having learned of the plot through traitors, encircled Mt. Kokhta, capturing the rebels except for Tsotne Dadiani and the ruler of Racha. They were taken to the Mongol leader in Anis-Shirakavan.
The prisoners, facing severe torment, insisted that their assembly on Mt. Kokhta was solely to address the tribute demanded by the Mongol authorities. The Mongols, enraged by their defiance, subjected them to cruel punishment, binding them, covering them in honey, and leaving them under the blazing sun while they interrogated them daily.
Distressed by the plight of his fellow captives, Tsotne Dadiani voluntarily went to Anis to share in their suffering. Upon arriving and seeing his kin condemned to death, he stripped himself, bound himself, and lay down beside them under the hot sun.
The Mongols, astonished by his voluntary suffering, reported the incident to their leader. When summoned, Tsotne Dadiani explained, “We assembled with the intention of fulfilling your command to collect the tribute. If my countrymen are to suffer for this, I too wish to partake in their fate.” His noble act deeply moved the Mongols, leading to the release of all prisoners.
Saint Tsotne Dadiani is not mentioned in records of the subsequent 1259 conspiracy against the Mongols, suggesting he had passed away by then. His virtues and steadfastness are revered throughout Georgia, serving as a timeless example of faith, love, and dedication. The Holy Synod of the Georgian Orthodox Church glorified him as a saint on October 26, 1999.
Saint Tsotne, thou didst lay down thy life and uphold the Lord’s commandment, achieving perfection through Him. O blessed Saint Tsotne, pray to God for us!
12 აგვისტო. წმიდა ცოტნე დადიანი – საქართველოსთვის თავდადებული და აღმსარებელი (XIII)