Gregory of Khandzta

Venerable Gregory of Khandzta, founder of monasteries and father of monasticism in Georgia.

Gregory was born in the eighth century to a noble Georgian family and was raised at the royal court, but chose the monastic life. He founded the monastery of Khandzta in the wilderness of Klarjeti and many other communities.

He composed a monastic rule for his monks and reposed in 861 after a long life, being honored as the architect of Georgian monasticism.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Gregory of Khandzta is commemorated on October 6. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on October 19 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on October 6

• 

  Thomas the Apostle

  Apostle, Θωμάς

  Holy Apostle Thomas.

  Name days: Thomas, Tomas, Thoma, Tommy, Tom

• Erotheis the Martyr

  Holy Woman, Ερωτηΐς

  Holy Martyr Erotheis, who was burned for her confession of Christ.

• Makarios of Kios

  Martyr, Μακάριος ο Οσιομάρτυς

  Holy New Monk-Martyr Makarios of Kios in Bithynia, beheaded at Prousa in 1590.

• Kendeas the Wonderworker

  Venerable, Κενδέας

  Venerable Kendeas the Wonderworker of Cyprus, hermit of Avgorou.

  Name days: Kendeas

• Innocent of Alaska

  Hierarch, Ιννοκέντιος Βενιαμίνωφ

  Saint Innocent Veniaminov, Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of the Aleuts and Apostle to America.