Hieromartyr Aviv (Abibus), bishop of Nekressi in Georgia
Hieromartyr
Bishop
Saint John of Zedazni and his 12 disciples, who came from Cappadocia to Georgia in the mid-6th century, became the founders of Georgian monasticism. John, having received spiritual education in Antioch, chose 12 disciples and set out for Georgia, where they were joyfully welcomed by the people and the royal authorities.
The saints established monasteries, preached Christianity, destroyed idol worship, and erected churches. Each of the disciples, including Saint Avivi, Saint Thaddeus, and Saint Isidore, founded monasteries and churches, strengthening the faith among the people.
Saint John, possessing the gift of wonderworking, opposed evil spirits and, having received a revelation about his death, called his disciples, bequeathing them to bury him in a cave on Mount Zedazeni. After his passing, the body was transferred to the monastery, but the earthquakes ceased only after his burial in the cave, as he had commanded.
In the 10th century, during the time of Catholicos Clement, a church was built at the site of his burial in honor of John the Baptist, where his relics were glorified by numerous miracles.
