Epiphanius of Khandzta

Venerable Epiphanius of Khandzta was a Georgian monk of the 9th century, a disciple of Gregory of Khandzta and abbot of the Khandzta monastery, venerated as a wonderworker. He is spoken of in the Life of Gregory of Khandzta, written by George Merchule in 951. He came from Kartli to Khandzta, so he was one of the first disciples of Gregory, who left Tbilisi for Klarjeti, laid waste by the Arabs, where monastic life was reviving under Gregory's guidance. In the Life he is called "the Great", and it is said that through his humility he reached the measure of his teacher, who blessed him as abbot of the monastery founded by Gregory.

The Life tells of his miracles: he healed a seven-⁠year-⁠old boy who was dying, near Mount Khorasuni; he healed a ten-⁠year-⁠old boy, deaf-⁠mute and feeble-⁠minded from birth; and he drove demons out of a woman. In one episode Gregory showed guests from the Nedzvi monastery, founded by Theodore, Gregory's disciple, the humility of Epiphanius and his complete obedience: he sent him to vest and serve the Liturgy, then, once the service had begun, struck him on the head with his staff and ordered him to stop and unvest. Epiphanius did all he was told without complaint, and when he came back to Gregory, Gregory blessed him again to vest and continue the service. The place of his burial is unknown; it is thought that he was buried at Khandzta. The Holy Synod of the Church of Georgia counted him among the saints in 2002 and entered his name in the Synaxis of the venerable fathers and mothers of Klarjeti, commemorated on 5 October (old style; 18 October new style).