Giorgi Matskvereli

Venerable Giorgi Matskvereli, also called George of Atsquri, lived at the end of the ninth and the beginning of the tenth century in Georgia. He came from the aristocratic and pious Shuartqeli family and was raised in the environs of the Opiza monastery in Klarjeti. Four years after the death of the great feudal lord George Chorchaneli, he succeeded him as ruler of the Samtskhe region; at that time a bitter conflict arose over Chorchaneli's inheritance.

As political leader of Samtskhe, George also directed the region's spiritual life, wisely administering for many years the ancient Atsquri diocese, which according to tradition was founded by the holy Apostle Andrew the First-⁠called; he is said to have left there the icon of the Mother of God not made by human hands (the Atsquri Icon). George was bishop of Atsquri and fell asleep in peace. His writings have not been preserved, but he is honoured as a great writer of the Church. George Merchule says in the Life of Saint Grigol of Khandzta that George of Atsquri made important contributions to the writings about Grigol. He was a close companion of Saint Serapion of Zarzma, was present at his burial and contributed to the writings on his life and works. He is commemorated on 2 April (new style).