Saint Onuphrius of Gareji

A life of faith

Onuphrius was known as Otar Machutadze before entering the David-Gareji monastery. A wealthy Georgian nobleman, he already practiced hospitality and charity. With his wife’s consent he left for monastic life, receiving the name Onuphrius under Archimandrite Herman. He later survived captivity during an attack on the monastery. When the impoverished community needed supplies, the former aristocrat traveled from house to house asking for help. His later years were marked by silence, the Jesus Prayer, and declining physical strength. The received account remembers humility that could accept both hidden prayer and the public task of begging for others.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Accept a necessary task that feels beneath your former position. Let concern for other people make humility practical, while remaining honest about your own physical limits.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.