Sabas of Ishkhani

Saint Sabas of Ishkhani was a Georgian bishop of the ninth century, cousin and fellow ascetic of Saint Gregory of Khandzta. He is commemorated on 5 October.

Sabas Ishkhneli was a cousin and helper of the better known Gregory of Khandzta. Their paths crossed at Opiza, where they lived together, and then both lived in the monastery of Khandzta. They went together to Constantinople, where they visited various church centres of Byzantium in order to learn monastic rules and take over their experience.

On returning to Georgia, Sabas settled at Ishkhani. After the restoration of the diocese of Ishkhani he was its first bishop. His life was aimed at maintaining the link between the Church and the state and at strengthening the authority of the Church in society. It is supposed that, besides his church ministry, he also engaged in literary work and translation.