Saint · 1073–1125
David the Builder of Georgia
David the Builder, King of Georgia
New Calendar January 26 Old Calendar February 8
Why they are a saint
David the Builder, King of Georgia (1073–1125) is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on January 26. Venerated as a right-believing ruler, honored for a holy life lived in a position of power; little else about his life has come down to us.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Life
Blessed David IV of Georgia, later called the Restorer, came to the throne in 1089 at sixteen, when his father Giorgi II abdicated in a time of devastation under the Seljuks. He took great responsibility for the Church and supported the Council of Ruisi-Urbnisi in restoring its order and authority.
At the battle of Didgori he broke the power of the enemy for many years; in 1122 he recaptured Tbilisi, and in 1123 the unification of the country was complete. In 1125 he completed his will, a confession of his sins with a plea for God's mercy, abdicated in favour of his son Demetre, and reposed peacefully at fifty-three. He was buried at the entrance of Gelati Monastery.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take David the Builder of Georgia as a patron when they bear the name David at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 26. As a ruler, he is also remembered by those who bear responsibility for others.
Prayer
O holy David the Builder of Georgia, 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.