Saint John of Zedazeni 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.
On Mount Zedazeni, where a pagan shrine once stood, they lived in huts, fed on herbs and roots, and healed the sick. By the command of the Mother of God, John sent his disciples to various regions of Georgia to preach the Word of God.
- Saint Aviv became the Bishop of Nekresi.
- Saint Zenon founded a monastery in Ikalto.
- Saint Thaddeus established a monastery at the foot of Mount Zedazeni and many churches in Kartli.
- Saint Isidore arranged a monastery in Samtavisi.
- Saint Michael founded a community in Ulumbi.
- Saint Pirr established a community near Breti.
- Saint Stephen founded a community near Khirsa.
John of Zedazeni, opposing evil spirits, healed a source of healing water on Mount Zaden. Before his death, he called his disciples and bequeathed to be buried in a cave on the mountain. He died between 557 and 560. His disciples, forgetting the bequest, moved his body to the monastery at the foot of the mountain, but the earth trembled until the body was moved to the cave, as he had bequeathed.
In the 10th century, a church was built in honor of John the Baptist, and his relics were placed in its sanctuary, where they were glorified by many signs of the Lord's mercy.
