Zeno of Ikalto

Holy Venerable Zeno of Ikalto was one of the twelve disciples of Saint John of Zedazeni, Syrian (Cappadocian) ascetics who founded Georgian monasticism around the middle of the sixth century. He founded the monastery of Ikalto in Kakheti.

The thirteen fathers who came from Cappadocia were probably Georgians, formed spiritually at the Lavra of Saint Symeon the Stylite and in other monasteries of Syria and Mesopotamia, in order to return home and help the enlightenment of their country. Their leader, Saint John of Zedazeni, was educated at Antioch, embraced monasticism in youth, gained meekness, humility and the gift of working miracles, and many disciples came to him. Of them he chose twelve by lot and, fulfilling the command of the Mother of God, set out with them for Georgia. On the way they received the blessing of Saint Symeon the Stylite the Younger and, reaching Mtskheta, crossed the river Kura "with dry feet" and were joyfully welcomed by the people, by King Parsman (542-557) and by Catholicos Eulabius (552-560). With the blessing of the Catholicos they settled on Mount Zedazeni, living in huts, feeding on herbs and roots and praying without ceasing. After Aviv and Ise were chosen bishops, the Mother of God appeared to John in a dream and commanded him to send his disciples to various places in Georgia. Zeno went to Kakheti, and then Stephen; Pyrrhus, Michael, Thaddeus and Isidore went to Kartli.

Of Saint Zeno, "pillar of sweet obedience", it is said that after completing his preaching in the mountains of upper Kakheti he founded the monastery of Ikalto, where he was buried, after great labors, in the cathedral church of the Image Not Made by Hands of the Savior.

The saint is commemorated on 20 May, in the new style, together with Saint John of Zedazeni and the other disciples.