8
Feb
Memory: King David IV
900 years have passed since the death of Saint King David IV of Georgia.
He became king in 1089 at the age of 16 and ruled the country for 36 years. The greatest king of Georgia died on 24 January 1125 OS at the age of 53.
At the end of the 13th century, the Georgian Orthodox Church canonized him as a saint. King David IV earned the title "the Builder" due to his significant contributions to the unification of Georgia and the strengthening of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
David the Builder promoted education and the advancement of science in the country. He founded the Gelati and Ikalto academies. The highest award of the Georgian Academy of Sciences is the Medal of Saint King David the Builder.
During his rule, the state's governance structures were reorganised, a regular army was created, and the country became independent and strong. His tenure also saw the construction of dozens of 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:
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 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 surrounding streets in Mtskheta and Tbilisi, along with blessings for the population.
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, there will be a prayer procession with the congregation 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 peace service.
The Patriarchate has noted that events dedicated to St King David the Builder will continue to be held throughout the year.
