Ise of Tsilkani

Venerable Ise of Tsilkani (Jesse) was one of the thirteen Syrian Fathers who came to Georgia in the sixth century, disciples of Saint John of Zedazeni. He was born at Antioch in Syria in a devout Christian family, felt from youth the call to the spiritual life and, with his parents' blessing, entered a monastery at Antioch.

On John's advice, Catholicos Eulabios of Kartli consecrated him bishop of Tsilkani. He traveled through his diocese preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, cleansing lepers, casting out demons and raising people from their beds. Once, with John's blessing, he worked a miracle to strengthen the people's faith: he went down to the bank of the Ksani River, with John and a multitude behind him, made the sign of the Cross over the water, touched it with his staff and commanded: “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command you, river: follow me.” The waters turned back and followed him to the church at Tsilkani. When the Lord made known to him the day of his death, he gathered his disciples, blessed them, received communion and fell asleep in peace, with the words “Lord, into Thy hands I commit my spirit.” He was buried in the church of the Mother of God at Tsilkani. He is commemorated on 2 December (new style) and, in the Georgian tradition, also on 7 May.