Ioane of Chordvani

Saint Ioane of Chordvani, called Varaz-⁠Vache Chordvaneli in the world, was a nobleman of Samtskhe, born around 920, and later a monk on Mount Athos. His father was a grandee at the court of King David Kuropalates. He received a fine education, knew Greek and other languages, and entered state service in his father's place. He had a wife, children and wealth, and was surrounded by faithful friends and the king's love, but out of love for Christ he left worldly glory, family and kin, and went secretly to the Lavra of the Four Churches. His wife and son were taken in by his father-⁠in-⁠law Abuharb and his brothers-⁠in-⁠law. When the court learned of his tonsure, he left with the fathers' blessing for Greece and labored in a monastery on Mount Ulumbo.

Meanwhile the Byzantine emperor gave David Kuropalates the upper lands, demanding in exchange sons of nobles as hostages, a pledge of loyalty. John's relatives gave his son Euthymius to the emperor. On learning this, John went to Constantinople and asked for his son back. Then with Euthymius (commemorated 26 May) and a few disciples he went to Athos, around 965, entered the Lavra of Saint Athanasius and spent two years in obedience. There came the famous Georgian commander Tornike Eristavi (commemorated 25 June), who was tonsured as John. So many Georgians came to the Lavra that John built farther away a Georgian church of Saint John the Evangelist, with cells.

When Bardas Skleros rose against the emperors Basil and Constantine, their mother Theophano asked the Athonite fathers to send Tornike to the palace. By the counsel of John and Athanasius, Tornike went to the court, then to David Kuropalates, and led the Georgian army that defeated Skleros. The spoils were carried, at David's wish, to Athos. With them John and Tornike built two new churches, one of the Mother of God and one of John the Baptist. Tornike reposed in peace.

After Tornike's death, strife on the Holy Mountain made John want to leave, but he stayed at the emperor's request. He fell ill and lay in bed for many years, enduring pain. Before his death he called his son Euthymius, entrusted him with the leadership of the monastery and decreed that after him George (commemorated 31 July) should take it. He gave up his soul in peace, and Euthymius laid his body to rest with honour and built the church of the holy Archangels over his grave. The Church of Georgia commemorates him on 12 July (old style; 25 July new style).