Archimandrite
Saint Gregory of Khandzta, the founder and archimandrite of the monasteries of Klarjeti, came from a noble Georgian family. From an early age, he was called to the monastic life, which he informed his mother about. His entire life was spent in prayers, tears, patience, and labors. He was elected as the abbot of the Khandzta monastery and strengthened monastic life in Klarjeti and throughout Georgia.
During this time, Georgian monasticism, spiritually guided by Saint Gregory, defended the purity of the Orthodox faith. In 825, he visited Constantinople, where he venerated the holy relics and brought back to Georgia holy icons and other blessings. Saint Gregory was an advocate for the cooperation between the Church and the state, which contributed to the strengthening of the autocephaly of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
In the last months of his life, the saint lived in a secluded cell, where he was granted divine visions. The monks of the monastery saw a radiance illuminating his cell and were convinced that it was the Spirit of God. The Georgian Church commemorates Saint Gregory of Khandzta on October 5, the day of his blessed repose.
