Venerable Fathers of Georgia

Life

In the sixth century, two hundred years after Saint Nina had preached the Gospel in Georgia, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to John, an ascetic of Antioch, and commanded him to choose twelve of his disciples and go to Georgia to strengthen the Orthodox faith. John did so. Upon arriving in Georgia, these twelve missionaries were solemnly received by the prince of the land and Catholicos Eulalius, and immediately began their work with zeal. The people gathered around them in crowds, and they strengthened them in the faith with great wisdom and many miracles. The leader of all these Christ-loving missionaries was Saint John of Zedazeni. And their names were: Abibus, Anthony, David, Zenon, Thaddeus, Ishe, Isidore, Joseph, Michael, Pyrrhus, Stephen, and Shio. With apostolic zeal they all strengthened the faith of Christ in Georgia, founded many monasteries, and left behind many disciples. Thus they were deemed worthy of glory in heaven and of power on earth.