Saint Ise of Tsilkani, One of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers (6th c.)

In the sixth century the spiritual life of Georgia was made radiant by the fathers who came from Syria — Saint John of Zedazeni and his disciples.

The coming of the saints was made known from on high to Evlavius, the catholicos of Kartli. Joy settled upon the faithful people, for the Lord had once more looked upon the land that is the lot of the Theotokos and had sent it His chosen sons as teachers and enlighteners.

The venerable fathers founded many churches and monasteries in Georgia and laid the foundations of the monastic life.

With the blessing of Catholicos Evlavius and John of Zedazeni, Venerable Ise laboured at Tsilkani.

After the death of the bishop of Tsilkani, Saint Ise, renowned for his purity and come to the fullness of the virtues, was consecrated hierarch against his will by Catholicos Evlavius. Ise did not want to accept the honour of the episcopate and begged with tears and weeping to be released, but he could not stand against the prayers and blessing of the catholicos and of John of Zedazeni.

The holy hierarch’s vigils and fasting knew no measure. His name became known far and wide for his mercy and love of mankind, his hospitality to strangers and his help to the poor. Venerable Ise travelled through the whole diocese preaching the Gospel. The good shepherd and wise steward went from town to town and village to village and worked wonders: he healed the sick, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, loosed sins, and raised up the paralysed by the touch of his hand.

Venerable Ise went especially into the mountain places; he pulled down the temples of idols, smashed the idols and baptised the pagans in the name of the Trinity.

Once the blessed John of Zedazeni called his disciples Ise of Tsilkani and Shio of Mgvime, to test them in virtue and to show the people the power of Christ.

The holy father said to his spiritual sons: “I wish that some wonder be done by you, so that those who see it may glorify God; for the Georgians have great need to see signs and wonders from you, that they may believe all the more in the faith we preach.” The venerable fathers received his prayer and blessing in obedience.

Saint John told the deacon Elijah to bring him a cup, and then handed the cup to Ise for him to bless, as a bishop and the senior. Ise, on the contrary, asked for his prayer. “Then the blessed one lifted up that cup and made a prayer, and ended it, and let go of the cup. And the cup stood in the air as if upon something firm.”

Then Saint John said to Venerable Shio: “It is fitting to give thanks and to offer incense.” Saint Shio went to the fire, took burning coals, laid them on the palm of his hand and put incense on them. He censed everyone, and he came to no harm.

Those who saw this wonder glorified God. Now Saint John turned to Venerable Ise: “Master and father, we wish to receive a blessing from you, that we may have it for a remembrance of you.” The obedient disciple did not dare to disobey his teacher, and went down to the bank of the river Ksani. The holy fathers and a great multitude of people followed him. Venerable Ise made the sign of the cross over the river, then “struck the waters with his staff in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”, and said: “River, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ I command thee: flow after me and follow me wherever I go.” Suddenly the river changed its course and followed Ise’s staff. Wherever Saint Ise went, the water went after him, until it reached the cathedral of Tsilkani. The uphill slope did not hinder it.

The people of Mtskheta and the villages round about who saw this wonder glorified the name of Christ, who had sent down such grace upon His chosen ones.

The day of his departure from the body was made known beforehand by the Lord to the wonder-working father. He gathered his disciples and the servants of the church, instructed them, blessed them, received Communion and committed his soul to the Lord: “Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit” — these were the saint’s last words.

The remains of Venerable Ise of Tsilkani were buried there, in the church of the Theotokos at Tsilkani.