Saint David IV the Restorer, King of Iberia and Abkhazia (1089–1125), was an outstanding statesman, cultural, and ecclesiastical figure of Georgia. Raised by his spiritual father, the venerable Arsenius of Ikalto, he earned the title "the Restorer" for his efforts in restoring Georgia and strengthening the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Under his leadership, Georgia united into a strong centralized state, and the Church flourished. Saint David was distinguished by deep piety, honored the church canons, and safeguarded them. In 1103, at his initiative, a Church Council was convened in Ruisi, which contributed to the strengthening of the canonical life of the Church.
He encouraged the development of sciences, founded the Gelati and Ikalto academies, and erected dozens of churches and monasteries. He cared for the well-being of Georgian monasteries in Palestine, Sinai, Antioch, and on the Holy Mountain of Athos. Saint George appeared to him in a vision and indicated the place for the construction of a church.
King David reconciled the Kipchak khan Atrak with the Ossetians and restored peace in the Darial Gorge. In 1123, he liberated Armenia from Turkish oppression, consecrated churches that had been turned into mosques, and convened a Church Council in the city of Ani.
Saint David had a fear of God that urged him to do good deeds. He composed the "Penitential Canon," consisting of nine odes. Before his death, he left a spiritual testament, transferring the governance of the country to his son Dimitri. He died on January 24, 1125, was buried in the Gelati Monastery, and his relics were later transferred under the altar of the cathedral church.
Saint King David IV the Restorer was glorified at the end of the 13th century, and a service was composed for him.
