Abiatar of Mtskheta

Abiathar (Aviafar) of Mtskheta (first half of the fourth century) was a rabbi at Mtskheta, converted by Saint Nino, equal to the apostles, and one of the first Christians of Georgia. He is venerated by the Church of Georgia as a saint; he is commemorated on 1 October (old calendar).

He was a Jew of Mtskheta, a direct descendant of Elioz, born in the same city and a witness of the Crucifixion of Christ. According to the tradition in the "Mokcevay Kartlisay" (The Conversion of Kartli), the robe of the Lord Jesus Christ fell by lot to Elioz, who brought it to Mtskheta and hid it in a safe place. Abiathar, with his daughter, Saint Sidonia, and all his family, was among the first Christians baptised by Saint Nino. As keeper of the secret of the place where the holy relic lay, he showed it to Saint Nino. In the "Mokcevay Kartlisay" the Life of Saint Nino is included, in which the twelfth chapter is ascribed to Abiathar.