Jacob

Venerable Jacob was a hieromonk in Georgia, a disciple, closest friend and helper of Metropolitan Anthony of Chkondidi, with whom he is commemorated on 13 October, old style (26 October, new style). Of his life no biographical data are preserved apart from his closeness to Anthony.

Saint Anthony of Chkondidi was born into the large family of Otia Dadiani, prince of Samegrelo, studied secular letters as well as theology, and became Bishop of Tsageri in 1761 and in 1777 Metropolitan of Chkondidi. He was distinguished by his preaching, by the daily meal for the poor, and by his struggle against the selling of slaves; at the councils of 1792 and 1794 presided by him harsh penalties were decided on the buyers of slaves. In 1789 he withdrew to the Nakharebau monastery, which he had built, where he lived as a simple monk and died in great old age, in 1815. Jacob stayed always at his side.