Venerable John of Khakhuli (X–XI)

The Venerable John of Khakhuli (X–XI) was a churchman, translator and calligrapher, a contemporary of Bagrat III, king of Georgia. As an eloquent preacher he was called “Okropiri” (the Golden-mouthed).

It appears from various sources that the Venerable John was consecrated first bishop of Bolnisi, and then of Khakhuli.

Around 1019 the Venerable John gave up the see of Khakhuli and went with Arsenius of Ninotsminda to the mountain of Athos to labour there.

In the colophon of one of the manuscripts made while he was still in Georgia it is said: “Pray for the blessed elder John, son of Grdzeli, and for his spiritual son John Okropiri, who laboured greatly at the work and the writing of this holy book.”

On the mountain of Athos the Venerable John stood faithfully at the side of Saint Euthymius the Athonite (commemorated 13 May) and was his heartfelt friend.