Venerable Michael of Parekhi (7th–9th Century)

May 27 (June 9, New Calendar)

Venerable Michael of Parekhi was originally from Shavsheti, from the village of Norgiali. He was tonsured a monk at Midznadzori and lived an ascetic life there. He is known as one of the greatest ascetics and, at the same time, a spiritual father who fought for the revival of his homeland.

Upon learning about the monks laboring in Khakhuli, he journeyed there and settled in Parekhi. By divine calling, he established a small chapel and monastic dwelling in an inaccessible, rocky location. He personally sought solitude and lived a God-pleasing life. He had many disciples who were described as “perfect and radiant in virtue.”

The Lord was pleased with the blessed father’s ascetic labors and granted him the gift of “performing signs and wonders.” Through divine revelation, Saint Michael received the command to send his disciples—Saint Serapion (commemorated on October 5/18) and John—to Samtskhe to build a monastery. They went there with other brethren and established the great monastery of Zarzma.

The most wicked enemy of mankind—the devil—seeing the growing spiritual fruits of Michael and his disciples, tried in many ways to expel the holy father from his desert through various temptations.

Once, while Father Michael was praying on a cliff away from his cell, the devil threw him down from the height. But the Lord miraculously protected him unharmed. Frightened, Michael sent a disciple to Venerable Gregory of Khandzta, summoned him, and related all that had occurred. Venerable Gregory comforted him, raised two crosses—one to the right and one to the left—and said:

“Stand fearlessly between these two crosses of Christ, with the help of the Holy Trinity and the power of the Precious Cross. But if you move away, you will again suffer worse than before.”

The Christ-loving brothers prayed and glorified God. After this, the blessed Michael attained complete peace, for through humility he conquered the proud enemy.

Venerable Michael labored in Parekhi for many years and reposed at an old age. He was buried in the monastery he had founded.

According to Saint Basil of Zarzma (commemorated on October 6/9), the life, teachings, ascetic labors, and miracles of Venerable Michael of Parekhi were written down by his disciples after his repose. Unfortunately, this work has not survived. Information about this venerable father is preserved in the lives of Saint Gregory of Khandzta and Saint Serapion of Zarzma.

“Lives of the Georgian Saints,” Tbilisi, 2004