8
Feb
Memory: King David IV
900 years have elapsed since the passing of Saint King David IV of Georgia. He ascended to the throne in 1089 at the tender age of 16 and governed the nation for 36 years. The greatest king of Georgia passed away on 24 January 1125 OS, at the age of 53.
At the end of the 13th century, the Georgian Orthodox Church canonised him as a saint. King David IV earned the title "the Builder" due to his extraordinary efforts in unifying Georgia and strengthening the Georgian Orthodox Church. He fervently promoted education and scientific advancement, founding the Gelati and Ikalto academies. The highest honour bestowed by the Georgian Academy of Sciences is the Medal of Saint King David the Builder.
During his reign, he reformed the state's governance, established a regular army, and transformed the nation into a powerful and independent entity. His time in power also saw the construction of numerous temples and monasteries, the founding of many new cities, and the expansion of existing ones.
With the blessing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, the Georgian Patriarchate will hold divine services and various events to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the death of Saint King David the Builder. The schedule of events is as follows:
The schedule of events on 8 February 2025 is as follows:
09:00 – David's Liturgy at the David the Builder Cathedral in Kutaisi.
10:00 – David's Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi.
10:00-13:30 – Blessing of David the Builder Alley and the surrounding streets in Mtskheta and Tbilisi, along with blessings for the local community.
12:00 – A wake service at the King David the Builder Church in the Didgori Valley, within the Manglisi and Tetritskaro dioceses. Following the service, the congregation will participate in a prayer procession to the King David Monument.
13:00 – Laying of the royal crown on the monument to King David the Builder at the entrance to Tbilisi.
13:30 – A prayer procession from David the Builder Avenue (near Public School No. 24) to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, followed by a service for peace.
The Patriarchate has announced that events dedicated to Saint King David the Builder will continue throughout the year.
