On October 5, we commemorate the memory of Saint Grigol of Khandzta, a remarkable figure in the history of Georgia. Grigol was born into a noble family, part of the Meskhetian aristocracy, and was raised at the court of Kartlian ruler Nerse. From a young age, he displayed an exceptional aptitude for the sciences and … [Read more…]
On the sacred day of August 10th, we honor the venerable Giorgi the Builder, who held the esteemed position of the third abbot at the hallowed Iveron Monastery atop the majestic Mount Athos. Some accounts suggest that he was a nephew of the revered St. Ioane, the founder, and inaugural abbot of the Iveron Monastery. … [Read more…]
On the hallowed day of October 26th, we commemorate the life of Saint Anton of Chqondidi, born into the noble family of Otia Dadiani, the prince of Egrisi (now Samegrelo). His mother, Gulkan, was the daughter of Prince Shoshita III of Racha. Within this blessed family, there were six children, five boys, and one girl. … [Read more…]
On the sacred day of October 1 in the modern calendar, we commemorate a significant event from the 17th century. During this period, Persian aggressors devastated churches, monasteries, and fortresses while displacing thousands of Georgian families to remote provinces within Persia. The abandoned lands were subsequently settled by Turkic tribes from Central Asia, and the … [Read more…]
Saint Serapion of Zarzma, born into a noble family of Klarjeti, was renowned for his abundant wealth and virtuous deeds. His early life was marked by the loss of his mother and, soon after, his father. Despite these hardships, from his youth, Saint Serapion yearned for a life of solitude as a hermit. Accompanied by … [Read more…]
3rd of September The historical records chronicling the lineage of chief shepherds in Georgia reveal that Saint Sarmean assumed leadership of the Georgian Apostolic Church in the year 767 (or 760, as some sources suggest) and served until 774. These were tumultuous years marked by Arab-Muslim rule in Georgia, during which the Arab authorities … [Read more…]
16 August Saint Razhden the Protomartyr, adorned with noble lineage from a Persian lineage, embarked on a sacred journey intertwined with divine providence. As the Holy King Vakhtang Gorgasali joined his destiny with the daughter of the Persian king Hormuzd III Balunducht, Saint Razhden’s fate became entwined with the currents of history. Upon his arrival … [Read more…]
16 August On the sacred Feast of the Annunciation in the year 1625, a monumental event transpired that shall forever resonate with honor and religious devotion. The brave Georgians, imbued with unwavering faith, triumphed over the forces of adversity in the hallowed Battle of Martqopi. This glorious victory was not merely a triumph in arms; … [Read more…]
Memory 28 April In the 1st century AD, a group of Georgian noble lords served the Albanian government in the southeastern Transcaucasus. These seventeen holy men, known as Sukia, Andrea, Anastasi, Talale, Teodorite, Ivkirion, Iordane, Kodrate, Lukiane, Momnanos, Nerangios, Polievktos, Iakob, Poka, Domentian, Bictor, and Zosime, arrived in the Armenian capital, Artashat, during the … [Read more…]
Memory 30 October (12 November) In 1446, Giorgi VIII ascended to the throne as the ruler of a unified Georgian kingdom. Renowned for his virtues, he was not only a valiant warrior but also a devout and God-fearing king. Throughout his twenty-year reign, he tirelessly fought to reunify his country, defending it from … [Read more…]