Michael of Ulumbo

Holy Venerable Michael of Ulumbo is one of the thirteen Syrian (Cappadocian) Fathers, founders of Georgian monasticism, who came to Georgia from Cappadocia in the mid-⁠sixth century, led by Saint John of Zedazeni. Probably Georgians by birth, they had been formed in the Lavra of Saint Simeon the Stylite and in other monasteries of Syria and Mesopotamia.

After the Mother of God appeared to John in a dream and commanded him to send his disciples to preach in different parts of Georgia, some went to Kakheti (Zeno, and later Stephen), and others to Kartli: Pyrrhus, Michael, Thaddeus and Isidore. There they taught the people, destroyed the remnants of idolatry in the mountain valleys, raised crosses and churches and brought order into the people's life. Michael is honoured by the place of his struggle, Ulumbo.