Hierarch
Hierarch Saint John (Ioane) IV Okropiri (the Chrysostom), Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia
ок. 980–1001
Also known as: Иоанн Окропири, Иоанн Грузинский Златоуст
Saint John IV Okropiri — the first primate of the Georgian Church to hold the title of Patriarch, nicknamed "the Chrysostom" for his eloquence.
St. John (Ioane) IV Okropiri, "the Chrysostom," was Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, presiding c. 980–1001. He was born to long-childless, devout parents after their fervent prayers to St. Shio of Mgvime, who foretold his birth. From childhood he was raised at Shio-Mgvime Monastery, where his holiness and eloquence earned him the epithet "Okropiri" ("Golden-mouthed"), echoing the great St. John Chrysostom of Constantinople.
He became primate of the Georgian Church in 980 and was the first to hold the title of Patriarch in addition to Catholicos, reflecting the political unification of Georgian lands under King David III Kuropalates.
His life is recorded in the "Synodicon of Kings and Catholicoi" and in a dedicatory inscription at Parkhali Monastery, which names him "Patriarch of Kartli and all the East." He reposed in 1001 and is venerated among the hierarchs in the Synaxis of Georgian Saints.