Saint Ise of Tsilkani (6th century)

Memory 2 (15) December

Saint Ise of Tsilkani arrived in Georgia in the 6th century with the other Syrian fathers and companions of St. Ioane of Zedazeni.

At the recommendation of St. Ioane of Zedazeni, Catholicos Evlavios of Kartli consecrated St. Ise as bishop of Tsilkani. The holy father traveled throughout his diocese preaching the Holy Gospel. Passing from city to city, from valley to mountain and back, the kind shepherd worked wonders, healed the infirm, cleansed lepers, cast out demons and raised those who were confined to their beds.

Once, with the blessing of his teacher St. Ioane of Zedazeni, St. Ise performed a miracle to strengthen the people in their Faith. He descended to the bank of the Ksani River, followed by Fr. Ioane and a multitude of people. He made the sign of the Cross over the river, touched his staff to the water and commanded: “In the name of our Lord and God Jesus Christ, I command you, river: follow me!” Immediately the river reversed its current and began to flow backwards, following in St. Ise’s footsteps right up to Tsilkani Church.

Those living near Mtskheta and Tsilkani who witnessed this miracle glorified the Lord Jesus Christ for bestowing upon one of His children the gift of wonder-working.

When the Lord made known to the saint the day of his repose, he gathered his disciples and church servitors, bade them farewell, blessed them, partook of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and reposed in peace. His last words were “Lord, into Thy hands I commit my spirit!”

St. Ise of Tsilkani is buried in the Tsilkani Church of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Thou didst shine forth brilliantly as a radiant star and enlighten the hearts of the faithful with thy divine preaching. O Holy Hierarch Ise, pray to Christ God to forgive the sins of those who glorify thy holy memory!

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

12/21/2007

See also
Saint Iotam Zedgenidze (†1465) Saint Iotam Zedgenidze (†1465)
Commemorated October 30/November 12
Saint Iotam Zedgenidze (†1465) Saint Iotam Zedgenidze (†1465)
Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze
In 1446 Giorgi VIII was crowned ruler of a united Georgian kingdom. Filled with every virtue, the valiant warrior and God-fearing king dedicated the twenty years of his reign to a ceaseless struggle for the reunification of his country.He was constantly warding off foreign invaders, surmounting internal strife, and suffering the betrayal of his fellow countrymen.
Saint Arsen, Bishop of Ninotsminda (†1082) Saint Arsen, Bishop of Ninotsminda (†1082)
Commemorated July 31/August 13
Saint Arsen, Bishop of Ninotsminda (†1082) Saint Arsen, Bishop of Ninotsminda (†1082)
Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze
Arsen of Ninotsminda was an ascetic who labored in the 11th century. History tells us that he was a brilliant translator, writer, calligrapher, and theologian, and indeed one of the greatest Church figures of his time.
Saint Ilia the Righteous (†1907) Saint Ilia the Righteous (†1907)
Commemorated July 20/August 2
Saint Ilia the Righteous (†1907) Saint Ilia the Righteous (†1907)
Archpriest Zakaria Machitadze
Saint Ilia, called the “Uncrowned King of Georgia,” the “Father of the Nation” and “the Righteous,” belonged to the noble family Chavchavadze. He was born on October 27, 1837, in the village of Qvareli in Kakheti. He received his primary education at home: his mother instructed him in reading and writing, prayer and the law of God. When he was eight years old, Ilia was sent to study with Archdeacon Nikoloz Sepashvili of Qvareli. The years he spent there left an indelible impression on this holy man’s life.

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