Gabriel the Lesser

Holy Hieromartyr Gabriel the Lesser, called in Georgian Mtsire, was one of the chosen servants of the Church of Georgia of the eighteenth century. The details of his life are little known, but it seems that he received a fairly good education for his time. Striving for the ascetic life, even in the world he tried to shield himself from worldly bustle and supported himself by the craft of tailoring: he had a tailoring shop in Tbilisi. The greater part of his income he gave to the poor. Once he left everything and went to the David Gareja desert, where he became a monk.

His work as a writer left a considerable mark on Georgian spiritual literature: he compiled several collections of liturgical and moral content, drawn from the writings of well-⁠known theologians, and wrote original spiritual works. Among the brethren he stood out by his wonderful love and readiness to serve: he helped everyone, cared for everyone, encouraged everyone. Once, in Great Lent, an archdeacon came to the monastery, desiring ascetic struggle, but after a time he grew homesick for his family and decided to go back home. Venerable Gabriel went to see him off. On the road Muslim robbers fell upon them and killed Father Gabriel. The brethren brought his holy relics to the monastery and buried them with honour.

The saint is commemorated on 30 March. He is not included in the present calendar of the Russian Church.