John of Zedazeni

Venerable John of Zedazeni was the leader of the Assyrian (Syrian) Fathers, ascetics who brought monasticism to Georgia in the sixth century. He was from Syria and lived toward the end of the fifth century; he studied worldly learning at Antioch. While still young he took up the ascetic life and became a monk, so humble that he thought himself a worm and not a man. For his humility, fasting and vigilance, the Lord gave him the gift of healing the sick and casting out demons. His fame drew crowds, so he withdrew still deeper, with a few disciples, into the wilderness.

Once the Most Holy Mother of God appeared to him and told him to take twelve monks and go to Georgia, the country enlightened by Saint Nino, and strengthen the Christian soul of its people. John chose twelve disciples: Abibus of Nekresi, Anthony of Martqopi, David of Gareji, Zenon of Iqalto, Thaddeus of Stepantsminda, Isidore of Samtavisi, Joseph of Alaverdi, Jesse of Tsilkani, Michael of Ulumbo, Pyrrhus of Breti, Stephen of Khirsa and Shio of Mgvime. He left the others in the wilderness under the care of the abbot, the blessed elder Euthymius, and set out with the twelve for Georgia. By divine revelation King Parsman and Catholicos Evlavios learned that the fathers were in Mesopotamia on the way, and went out to receive them with honour, near Mtskheta. The fathers venerated the myrrh-⁠streaming wood of the Living Pillar and the Robe of Christ in Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, then travelled through Georgia, visiting its holy places.

With the catholicos' blessing, John and his disciples settled on Zedazeni mountain, where a pagan temple to the idol Zadeni had stood. The monks lived in wretched cells, eating only plants and praying ceaselessly. Believers came in growing numbers; many burned with longing for the monastic life and joined the fathers, and the mountain became an abode of hermits. One night the Mother of God appeared again and told him to send his disciples throughout the country to preach the word of God; the disciples then founded the great monastic centres of Georgia. John is commemorated on 7 May (new style).