Commemoration of Saints Giorgi and Saba of Khakhuli
January 1
(Julius Calendar December 19 )
On this day, we honor the memory of Saints Giorgi and Saba of Khakhuli, the brothers of Iakob, father of Saint Giorgi of the Holy Mountain. These devout men embraced the monastic life at Khakhuli Monastery in southern Georgia.
Endowed with divine grace, the elder brother Giorgi became a spiritual advisor at the court of King Bagrat III Kuropalates, where he worked alongside the king in the flourishing of ecclesiastical literature during the Golden Age of Georgian letters. His younger brother Saba was revered as a righteous and upright man, blessed with both spiritual gifts and material abundance.
When they learned of the devotion of their young nephew, Giorgi (later Saint Giorgi of the Holy Mountain), they encouraged his father Iakob to entrust him to their care. With joy, Iakob sent his son to the God-fearing brothers at Khakhuli.
Later, at the request of the nobleman Peris Jojikisdze, Giorgi of Khakhuli was called to serve as a spiritual counselor in his household. Reluctantly he accepted, and, accompanied by the young Giorgi, entered into this service. But through false accusations made by Byzantine Emperor Basil II, Peris was executed, and his household—including the two Giorgis—were taken into captivity in Constantinople.
After twelve long years, they were released and returned home. Giorgi of Khakhuli then entrusted his nephew fully to the care of his brother Saba at Khakhuli Monastery.
The holy brothers Giorgi and Saba of Khakhuli reposed in the Lord in the mid-11th century, leaving behind a shining example of brotherly love, unity of spirit, and unwavering faith.
O holy brothers Giorgi and Saba, intercede for us before God!
Translate Father Thomas Bekurishvili