Venerable Ioseb of Khevi, Elder and Wonderworker (†1763)

Memory 7 (20) October

Little is known about the life of St. Ioseb of Khevi. The Church is certain only that he was a native of Khevi (in northern Georgia) and served as a priest in that village.

In addition to being great warriors, the people of Khevi have throughout history been remarkably steadfast in the Christian Faith. The churches and monasteries in Khevi are extraordinary in both beauty and inaccessibility. They were deliberately built in mountainous places, as if reaching them should demand the greatest of zeal.

The most important ornament and symbol of Khevi is the ice that perpetually caps the peak of Mt. Mqinvari (Kazbegi). On the slope of this mountain stands Trinity Monastery, where at one time St. Nino’s cross was preserved (it is presently kept in Tbilisi, in the northern section of the iconostasis at Sioni Cathedral).

Located above Trinity Monastery, on the ice-covered, vertical cliff of Mt. Mqinvari, is a cave hermitage at 13,450 feet, known as the Bethlehem Cave. It is possible to reach this hermitage only by climbing chains let down from its height. According to the chronicle Life of Kartli, this cave has throughout history been used to store sacred objects and treasures of the Church.

The historian Davit Batonishvili records that St. Ioseb was especially known for his love of holy objects, for keeping the strictest of fasts, and for his outstanding virtues. He climbed to the Bethlehem Hermitage and returned with a piece of the tent of the patriarch Abraham,[1] which he presented to King Erekle. Having attained the heights of clairvoyance and miracle-working, St. Ioseb reposed peacefully in the year 1763.

Thou art illumined by divine grace, O Holy Father Ioseb the Elder. Pray to Christ God on behalf of those who venerate thy holy name!


[1] Georgian tradition relates that both the tent of the Patriarch Abraham and the manger of Christ were kept in the Bethlehem Cave for many centuries.  

Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze


For further information on the book THE LIVES OF THE GEORGIAN SAINTS by Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze contact St. Herman Press:
St. Herman Press, P.O. Box 70, Platina, CA 96076
http://www.stherman.com/catalog/chapter_five/Lives_of_the_georgian_saints.htm

11/8/2007

See also
Holy Catholicos-Patriarch Ioseb the Wonderworker (†1770) Holy Catholicos-Patriarch Ioseb the Wonderworker (†1770)
Commemorated October 17/30
Holy Catholicos-Patriarch Ioseb the Wonderworker (†1770) Holy Catholicos-Patriarch Ioseb the Wonderworker (†1770)
Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze
Saint Ioseb (Jandierishvili) received his spiritual education at Davit-Gareji Monastery. He was endowed by the Lord with the gift of wonder-working. His prayers healed the terminally ill and demon-possessed. For his wisdom and virtue, he was consecrated bishop of Rustavi, and in 1755 enthroned as Catholicos-Patriarch. St. Ioseb remained a monk-ascetic in spite of his hierarchical rank.
Holy Martyrs, the Brothers Isaak and Ioseb the Georgians (†808) Holy Martyrs, the Brothers Isaak and Ioseb the Georgians (†808)
Commemorated September 16/29
Holy Martyrs, the Brothers Isaak and Ioseb the Georgians (†808) Holy Martyrs, the Brothers Isaak and Ioseb the Georgians (†808)
Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze
The holy martyrs Isaak and Ioseb the Georgians were born into a Muslim family, but their Georgian mother, a Christian, secretly raised them according to the Christian tradition. The brothers were so firmly dedicated to the Faith that they journeyed to Byzantium to request that Emperor Nicephorus I Phocas (802–811) permit them to settle in his capital.
Venerable Abba Ioseb of Alaverdi (†570) Venerable Abba Ioseb of Alaverdi (†570)
Commemorated 15/28 September
Venerable Abba Ioseb of Alaverdi (†570) Venerable Abba Ioseb of Alaverdi (†570)
Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze
Blessed Abba Ioseb of Alaverdi was a disciple and companion of St. Ioane of Zedazeni, who in the 6th century arrived in Georgia with twelve Syrian ascetics to spread the Christian Faith.With the blessing of his teacher, Fr. Ioseb settled in the village of Alaverdi in eastern Georgia. According to tradition, he carried with him a cross formed from the wood of the Life-giving Cross of our Savior.

Subscribe
to our mailing list

* indicates required
×