Saint Ise Tsilkneli

Iese of Tsilkani, also known as Jesse of Tsilkani, was a Christian monk and saint. According to hagiography, he came from Syria. In his youth, he joined a monastery founded by the monk John and, as one of twelve chosen disciples, left the Syrian desert with him. Together with other monks from the community led by John, he subsequently lived on Mount Zaden (later Zedazeni), where he was revered by the local population as a holy ascetic and miracle worker. After several years in the monastery, while serving as a hierodeacon, he was chosen by Catholicos-Archbishop Eulalius of Mtskheta to be the Bishop of Tsilkani. His episcopal ordination took place in Mtskheta. In Orthodox hagiography, he is described as an example of the holiest love and purity. He conducted extensive missionary work within his diocese and is credited with numerous miracles. Following his death, he was buried in the Tsilkani Cathedral.