Saint
David Gareji
Saint David Gareji, and Venerable Lucian, spiritual son of Saint David
New Calendar June 9 Old Calendar June 22
Why they are a saint
Saint David of Gareji was Syrian by birth. The future ascetic became a disciple of Saint John of Zedazeni and journeyed with him to Georgia. Saint David and his spiritual son Lucian settled on a mountain above Tbilisi, the capital of Kartli. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take David Gareji as a patron when they bear the name David at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on June 9. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy David Gareji, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.