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, who received spiritual education in Antioch, chose 12 disciples and, following the command of the Mother of God, went to Georgia, where he was joyfully welcomed by the people and King Parsman.
The saints established monasteries and preached Christianity, destroying paganism and erecting churches. Each of the disciples, including Abib, Zenon, Thaddeus, and Isidore, founded monasteries and churches in various regions of Georgia, such as Ikalto, Urbnisi, and Samtavisi.
Saint John, opposing evil spirits, received a revelation about his death and bequeathed to his disciples to bury him in a cave on Mount Zedazeni. After his death, the body was transferred to the monastery, but the earthquakes ceased only after his burial in the cave, as he had bequeathed. In the 10th century, a church was built in honor of John the Baptist, where his holy relics are located, glorified by many miracles.
