Venerable John of Zedazeni

Saint John of Zedazeni was a monk from Cappadocia (by tradition of Antiochene origin) who, through divine revelation, was called to lead twelve disciples to Eastern Georgia (Iberia) to strengthen Christianity and establish monasticism there. Arriving near Mtskheta in the mid-6th century, John settled on Mount Zedazeni, where he founded a monastery. Once his mission was accomplished, he cast lots and sent his twelve disciples throughout Georgia to found new monastic communities — among them Shio of Mgvime, David of Gareja, Ise of Tsilkani, Isidore of Samtavisi, and Abibos of Nekresi, all later glorified as saints in their own right. John himself remained at Zedazeni, where he reposed. He is venerated as one of the "second enlighteners of Georgia" and the father of Georgian monasticism.