Archimandrite
Saint Gregory of Khandzta, the founder and abbot of the monastery, came from a noble Georgian family. From an early age, he felt called to the monastic life, a desire he shared with his mother. He devoted his entire life to prayer, tears of repentance, patience, and spiritual struggle. He was elected abbot of the monastery, where he labored tirelessly and strengthened the spiritual life of his brotherhood.
During this period, Georgian monasticism, guided spiritually by Saint Gregory, firmly defended the purity of the Orthodox faith. In 825, he visited Constantinople, where he venerated the holy relics, bringing back to Georgia sacred icons and religious treasures. He supported cooperation between the Church and the state, a stance that contributed to the strengthening of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
During the final months of his life, the saint lived in a secluded cell, where he was granted divine visions. On one occasion, the monks of the monastery witnessed a radiant light illuminating his cell. They became convinced that it was the Holy Spirit, who was strengthening and guiding his actions.
The Georgian Church commemorates Saint Gregory of Khandzta on 5 October, the day of his repose.
