Saint John of Zedazeni and his 12 disciples, among whom were Aviv, Bishop of Nekresi, Anthony of Martkobi, David of Gareja, Zenon of Ikalto, Thaddeus of Stepantsminda, Isidore, Bishop of Tsilkani, Joseph, Bishop of Alaverdi, Isidore of Samtavisi, Michael of Ulumbi, Pyrrhus of Breti, Stephen of Khirki, and Shio of Mgvime, came to Georgia from Cappadocia in the mid-6th century to promote Christian enlightenment. John, who received his spiritual education in Antioch, became the leader of these ascetics and, following the command of the Mother of God, set out with his disciples to Georgia, where they were joyfully welcomed by the people and King Parsman.
The saints founded a monastery on Mount Zedazeni, where they lived in prayer and asceticism, healing the sick. By the command of the Mother of God, John sent his disciples to various places in Georgia for preaching. Each of them established monasteries and churches, strengthening the faith and abolishing idolatry.
Saint Zenon founded a monastery in Ikalto, Thaddeus - a monastery at the foot of Mount Zedazeni, Isidore - a monastery in Samtavisi, Michael - a community in Upper Kartli, Pyrrhus - a community near Breti, and Stephen - a community in Lower Kakheti. John, opposing evil spirits, called his disciples before his death and bequeathed to be buried in a cave on the mountain.
After John's death, his disciples transferred the body to the monastery, but the earth trembled around until the body was laid in the cave, as he had bequeathed. In the 10th century, a church was built in honor of John the Baptist, and the relics of John of Zedazeni were glorified by numerous miracles.
