Hierarch6th century

Saint Jesse Bishop of Tsilkani

6th century

Also known as Ise of Tsilkani

One of the Syrian Fathers who came to Georgia and became Bishop of Tsilkani, preaching throughout his diocese and strengthening Georgian Christianity.

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Commemorated as

Our Father among the Saints Jesse, Bishop of Tsilkani

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Missionary Work

Life

Saint Jesse, known in Georgian as Ise, was a sixth-century bishop of Tsilkani and one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers, a group of monastic missionaries who came to Georgia under the leadership of Saint John of Zedazeni. According to the tradition, Jesse originated from Antioch and arrived in Georgia in the sixth century as a companion of Saint John.

On the recommendation of Saint John of Zedazeni, Catholicos Evlavios of Kartli consecrated Jesse as Bishop of Tsilkani. As bishop he traveled throughout his diocese preaching the Gospel and is remembered for the wonders attributed to him, foremost among them the reversing of the course of the Ksani River. He is commemorated on December 2.

Timeline3 momentsReadHide

6th centuryArrival in Georgia with the Syrian FathersJesse came to Georgia in the sixth century as one of the Thirteen Syrian Fathers and a companion of Saint John of Zedazeni, the group's leader.
6th centuryConsecration as Bishop of TsilkaniAt the recommendation of Saint John of Zedazeni, Catholicos Evlavios of Kartli consecrated Jesse as Bishop of Tsilkani.
December 2ReposeHaving been made aware of the day of his repose, Jesse gathered his disciples and church servitors, bade them farewell and blessed them, partook of the Holy Mysteries, and reposed in peace. He was buried in the Tsilkani Church of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Contributions & Legacy

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The Thirteen Syrian Fathers

Saint Jesse belonged to the Thirteen Syrian Fathers, a company of monastic missionaries who, according to the tradition, came to Georgia in the sixth century under the leadership of Saint John of Zedazeni. The accounts describe Jesse as originating from Antioch and arriving in Georgia as one of John's companions.

The mission of these fathers is associated with the strengthening of Christianity in Georgia, and Jesse's own episcopate at Tsilkani is remembered as part of that wider missionary effort.

Episcopate and Ministry

After Catholicos Evlavios of Kartli consecrated him bishop, Jesse traveled throughout his diocese preaching the Gospel. The accounts describe him passing from city to city, from valley to mountain and back, working wonders, healing the infirm, cleansing lepers, casting out demons, and raising those who were confined to their beds.

Miracles & Traditions

Traditional Accounts: The best-known wonder attributed to Saint Jesse concerns the Ksani River. According to the tradition, he made the sign of the Cross over the river, touched his staff to the water, and commanded, 'In the name of our Lord and God Jesus Christ, I command you, river: follow me!' The accounts relate that the river reversed its current and flowed backwards, following in the saint's footsteps as far as the Tsilkani Church.