Simeon of Gareji

Venerable Simeon of Gareji was abbot of the Lavra of Saint David at Gareji, a seer and wonderworker. He passed to the Lord on 4 September 1773. He is commemorated on 4 September, old style (17 September, new style).

He was born around 1700 in Kakheti and from his youth struggled in the Gareji Monastery. Until old age he remained a simple monk, then the brethren elected him abbot. He was distinguished by virtue and humility, and God gave him the power of working miracles. Once he fell ill and died; for more than an hour he lay lifeless, then, by God's providence, he rose, divided with his own hand all that he had among the monks, and wholly renounced the needs of this world. When Father Serapion (commemorated on 24 August) learned of it, he came, with help, and found him; enlightened by the gift of foresight, he told him with tears of consolation that he had wished to be buried by his hands, but that Simeon was going before him into eternal life, and that he himself would not stay long without Simeon. After a week in which he set the monastery's affairs in order, Simeon departed in peace, on 4 September 1773, on the same day of the year on which he had been an hour without breath. He was buried at Gareji.