Zosime II of Kumurdo

Saint Zosime II of Kumurdo, a hierarch, lived at the end of the 15th century and in the first half of the 16th, and was bishop of Kumurdo, in southern Georgia. In the world he was called Zebede (Navasdze). He was raised by Princess Ketevan, daughter of King George VIII (1446-1466). In 1515 he was tonsured a monk and received the name Zosimas; it is believed that in the same year he was consecrated bishop, and an inscription in the church at Kumurdo mentions him as bishop. In 1537 he compiled a handwritten anthology of prayers, homilies and other writings, ending with two of his own wills.

Besides his work as pastor, teacher and builder in the diocese of Kumurdo, he also labored in the Holy Land, at Jerusalem. In the 15th and 16th centuries the struggle between Orthodox and Roman Catholics over Golgotha was especially fierce; Zosimas came to the Holy Land and joined the struggle to free Golgotha, and in honour of his efforts two vigil lamps were later hung in his name, at Golgotha and at the Holy Cross monastery. The Church of Georgia canonized him on 17 October 2002 and reestablished the ancient bishopric of Kumurdo. He is commemorated on 1 May (new style).