Venerable Father John Shavteli of Gaenati (XIII)

The Venerable John Shavteli of Gaenati (XIII) — “a man all-renowned and wonderful in ascetic labours, and a composer of verses” — lived in the time of King Tamar. He was one of the greatest poets and philosophers of his age and a famous preacher. Of his works there have come down to us the famous ode “Abdul-Mesia” and the “Hymns to the Theotokos of Vardzia”. He reached a deep old age and reposed in peace.

(For more about him, see 1 April.)