TESTIMONY No. 31
The Gift of Sight
The Story of Grigol Rukhaia
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
My work requires me to read extensively and spend a great deal of time with books.
However, my eyes became tired very quickly.
Sometimes, after only ten or fifteen minutes of reading, I had to put the book aside.
After praying to the Lord through the intercession of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, I reverently anointed my eyes with blessed oil.
That day, to my surprise, I was able to read a substantial two-hundred-page text without taking a break.
For me, this was not only relief from physical discomfort, but also an important spiritual experience.
I came to understand more clearly that the greatest treasure Saint Gabriel left to people was not merely the memory of the many accounts of help received through his prayers, but above all his living call to turn to Christ and live according to the Gospel.
In gratitude, I composed a short prayerful hymn dedicated to Saint Gabriel.
“Holy Father Gabriel, guide our path towards the Lord and strengthen us in faith and love.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Grigol Rukhaia.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 32
The Elder’s Prophetic Words
Recollections of Zaza Intskirveli
Georgia
The Story
I first met Saint Gabriel Urgebadze in 1987, on the feast of the Radiant Resurrection of Christ.
It happened at Samtavro Monastery.
One of the nuns introduced me to the elder.
Saint Gabriel asked me to help him put on his monastic mantle and then invited me to share the festive meal.
During our conversation, he suddenly said:
— You are a good man. Never begin smoking.
The elder then spoke several more words that seemed incomprehensible to me at the time.
He said that serious family trials lay ahead of me, but that everything would end in peace.
Years later, this is exactly what happened.
Saint Gabriel then added:
— In thirteen years, you will work for the Church, although you will not wear monastic robes.
Exactly thirteen years passed.
I was invited to head the Agricultural Department of the Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
I then remembered the elder’s words and gratefully recognised their remarkable accuracy.
That meeting has remained one of the dearest memories of my life.
“The saints help people not only through their prayers, but also through wise words whose meaning may be revealed many years later.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the recollections of Zaza Intskirveli,
Head of the Patriarchate’s Agricultural Department.
TESTIMONY No. 33
The Lord Arranged Everything for the Best
The Story of Suliko Gvinjilia
Senaki • Georgia
The Story
For several years, I suffered severely from cirrhosis of the liver.
My condition continued to deteriorate.
On 4 November 2004, I travelled to the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
With tears, I knelt down, prayed to the Lord, and asked for a blessing upon the treatment that lay ahead.
I was especially worried that the hospital might refuse to admit me, as I had previously faced serious difficulties obtaining hospital care.
When I returned home, I saw how wonderfully everything had been arranged.
I was admitted to hospital without difficulty and underwent the necessary examinations.
The ultrasound results came as a surprise to the doctors.
According to the specialists, there were no longer any signs of cirrhosis.
For me, this was a great mercy from God and a profound strengthening of faith.
“Glory and thanksgiving to the Lord for all things! The Lord has given us Saint Gabriel as an intercessor and comforter.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Suliko Gvinjilia.
Senaki.
TESTIMONY No. 34
A Daughter’s Hope and the Mercy of God
The Story of Madona Svanidze
Shemokmedi Village • Georgia
The Story
Doctors discovered a uterine tumour in my mother.
The news was a severe trial for our entire family.
With deep faith, she began turning to the Lord every day, asking for help through the prayers of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
For two months, my mother reverently used oil blessed at the saint’s resting place.
According to her testimony, she took no other medication during that period.
In time, her condition improved significantly and the illness receded.
For our family, this became a reason to thank the Lord even more fervently for His mercy and for Saint Gabriel’s prayerful intercession.
“Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever and ever.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Madona Svanidze.
Shemokmedi Village.
TESTIMONY No. 35
When the Illness Receded
The Story of Koba Dvali
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
For many years, I suffered from chronic conjunctivitis.
I sought medical help in both Moscow and Tbilisi, but I was told that the condition was difficult to treat.
I then began praying to the Lord through the prayers of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
After receiving oil blessed at the saint’s resting place, I reverently anointed my affected eyelids.
Within a few days, I felt noticeable relief.
The illness ceased to trouble me.
Two years have now passed, and with gratitude to the Lord I continue to live without my former suffering.
“Every good thing comes to a person through the mercy of God.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Koba Dvali.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 36
A Hope the Lord Did Not Put to Shame
The Story of Vano Tsilikashvili
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
I was given a grave diagnosis: total fibrosis of the bone marrow.
The illness progressed rapidly.
At one point, the doctors had almost lost hope of a favourable outcome.
All that remained was to place my trust in God’s mercy.
Every day, I prayed to the Lord, asked for help through the prayers of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, and reverently used oil blessed at his resting place.
After several months, my condition began to improve.
In time, my health was restored.
What I experienced greatly strengthened my faith and reminded me that the Lord never abandons those who place their hope in Him.
“Give thanks to the Lord in all things, for His mercy endures for ever.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Vano Tsilikashvili.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 37
“The Mercy of God Is at Work Even Behind Prison Walls”
From the Recollections of the Prisoner Vasili Narindoshvili
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
While serving my sentence at the Ksani Correctional Colony, I carried out an obedience at the Church of Saint Nicholas, built within the prison grounds.
Life in prison is filled with trials.
Many people suffer not only from physical illness, but also from profound emotional and spiritual pain.
It was there that many first heard about Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
By God’s mercy, oil blessed at his resting place became a source of comfort for many prisoners.
On numerous occasions, I witnessed sick men ask us to pray together and reverently use this holy oil.
I especially remember a small child who had been brought to visit one of the prisoners.
The boy was seriously ill, and doctors could not determine the cause of his high temperature.
We prayed to the Lord together.
I anointed the child with the blessed oil in the sign of the Cross.
Soon he fell peacefully asleep and later felt significantly better.
After this, many prisoners began to pray more often and ask the Lord for help through the prayers of Saint Gabriel.
On one occasion, the Lord fulfilled a small request of my own in an extraordinary way.
I very much wanted to have a large icon of Saint Gabriel.
The following day, prison staff unexpectedly brought me precisely such an icon.
I received it as a consolation from the Lord.
On another occasion, late in the evening, an inner prompting led me to go outside into the yard.
There I saw a friend who had suddenly become unwell.
We prayed together, I anointed him with the blessed oil, and he soon felt better.
Such events strengthened many people in faith.
Even those who had previously been far from the Church began attending services, coming to the prison chapel more frequently, and seeking a spiritual life.
“No walls can separate a person from the mercy of God when his heart turns towards Christ.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the recollections of Vasili Narindoshvili.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 38
A Road to Faith Through Trials
The Story of Guram Managadze
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
In the mid-1990s, after a severe beating, I suffered a serious injury to my left ear.
My eardrum was damaged.
For a long time, I experienced pain, inflammation, and loss of hearing.
Later, I heard about Saint Gabriel Urgebadze and about the many people who turned to the Lord in faith while using oil blessed at the saint’s resting place.
I too began to pray.
After several anointings, the pain gradually disappeared and my hearing began to return.
Soon afterwards, another difficulty arose.
I developed a severe sore throat.
Ordinary medicines brought almost no relief.
After prayer, I used the blessed oil.
The pain soon subsided.
These events caused me to reconsider my life and to thank the Lord even more fervently for His ineffable mercy.
“The greatest healing occurs when the human heart is renewed together with the body.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Guram Managadze.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 39
A Prayer That Changed the Heart
The Story of Nukri Bochorishvili
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
At the beginning of January 2003, I became seriously ill.
Because of severe inflammation, the pain was so intense that I could barely stand.
I knew that our prison church kept oil blessed at the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, so I went to Vasili Narindoshvili.
Together we recited the Lord’s Prayer, after which he reverently anointed me with the blessed oil.
After some time, the pain completely subsided.
An even greater joy was that, following this event, I began visiting the church more often, learning about the life of Saint Gabriel, and discovering the Orthodox faith more deeply.
“The greatest miracle is when the human soul begins to be healed together with the body.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Nukri Bochorishvili.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 40
Relief After Common Prayer
The Story of Artur Sukasyan
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
For a long time, I suffered from a gastric ulcer.
During attacks, the pain became almost unbearable.
On 2 January, one such attack was especially severe.
The brothers beside me suggested that we first turn to the Lord in prayer.
Together we recited the Lord’s Prayer. I was then anointed in the sign of the Cross with oil blessed at the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze and was given a small amount of it.
The pain gradually subsided.
Since then, the attacks have not returned.
I thank the Lord for everything I experienced and for strengthening me through the prayers of His saint.
“In every sorrow, let us first seek help from the Lord.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Artur Sukasyan.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 41
When Despair Gave Way to Hope
The Story of David Chitaia
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
Because of severe inflammation, my leg was in a very serious condition.
Two toes were so badly affected that treatment brought no noticeable improvement.
I asked Vasili Narindoshvili to pray with me.
After the prayer, he anointed the affected area with oil blessed at Saint Gabriel’s resting place, applied a small amount of earth brought from Samtavro, and bandaged my leg.
When I removed the bandage the following morning, I saw that the condition of my leg had changed significantly.
For me, this was a great joy and a testimony to the mercy of God.
“The Lord always hears the sincere prayer of a person who turns to Him in faith.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of David Chitaia.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 42
Help in an Everyday Affliction
The Story of Giorgi Gelashvili
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
For a long time, I suffered severe pain in my knees.
Walking became increasingly difficult.
I began praying to the Lord and reverently using oil blessed at the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
After some time, the pain gradually disappeared.
This experience strengthened my faith and taught me to turn to God more often in every circumstance of life.
“We thank the Lord for giving His Church such intercessors as Saint Gabriel.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Giorgi Gelashvili.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 43
The Power of Common Prayer
The Story of Malkhaz Bluashvili
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
In prison, even the simplest medical care can be difficult to obtain.
When I developed severe toothache, I asked Vasili Narindoshvili to pray with me.
After the prayer, he anointed me with oil blessed at Saint Gabriel’s resting place.
The pain soon subsided.
This event strengthened my conviction that the Lord never leaves a person without His help.
I also witnessed many prisoners finding spiritual consolation and growing stronger in faith.
“All glory belongs to the Lord, while the saints are our intercessors before Him.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Malkhaz Bluashvili.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 44
Breathing Freely
The Story of Shalva Bakhutashvili
Ksani Correctional Colony • Georgia
The Story
For many years, I suffered from asthma.
During one attack, my breathing became so difficult that I asked for prayerful help.
After we prayed together, I was anointed with oil blessed at the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze and was given a small amount of it.
Soon my breathing became easier.
Since then, my condition has improved significantly.
I sincerely thank the Lord and ask that, through Saint Gabriel’s prayers, He continue to strengthen all who are experiencing sorrow and trials.
“The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Shalva Bakhutashvili.
Ksani Correctional Colony, Zone No. 7.
TESTIMONY No. 45
The Gift of Motherhood
The Story of Maia Kublashvili
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
For three years, my husband and I waited for a child.
Despite numerous examinations and treatments, the long-awaited pregnancy did not come.
During Great Lent, I travelled to Samtavro Monastery.
At the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, I prayed fervently to the Lord and asked the saint to intercede for us before the Throne of God.
That day, Mother Paraskeva lovingly anointed my forehead with blessed oil and told me to continue doing so at home with prayer.
Soon, the Lord heard our petitions.
That same month, I learned that I was expecting a child.
For our family, this was a great gift from God and a source of endless gratitude.
“Every good thing comes to a person through the mercy of God, and the saints are our intercessors before the Lord.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Maia Kublashvili.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 46
Following a Pilgrim’s Advice
Another Testimony About the Gift of a Child
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
A woman I knew had endured a severe trial.
Several of her pregnancies had ended in the loss of the child.
At that time, a pilgrimage group from Greece was visiting Georgia.
When one of the priests learned of her sorrow, he said:
— You have a great holy place—the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze. Go there and pray to the Lord.
She followed his advice.
With sincere faith, she went to Samtavro Monastery, prayed for a long time, and entrusted her sorrow to God.
Some time later, the Lord granted her another pregnancy.
We received this as a great consolation and as the mercy of God shown through the prayers of Saint Gabriel.
“Nothing is impossible for God when a person entrusts their life to Him with hope.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Maia Kublashvili.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 47
Sight Restored
The Story of Anzor Chlaidze
Ergneti Village • Georgia
The Story
For a long time, I suffered from a severe disease of the cornea.
The illness gradually deprived me of normal vision.
With prayer, I began turning to the Lord through the intercession of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze and reverently using oil blessed at his resting place.
In time, the condition of my eye improved significantly.
My sight returned, and the illness ceased to trouble me.
I regard everything I experienced as the mercy of God shown through the prayers of Saint Gabriel.
“May the Lord be glorified in all His benefactions!”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Anzor Chlaidze.
Ergneti Village.
TESTIMONY No. 48
Help After a Long Search
The Story of Irina Ribadze
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
For a long time, I suffered from candidiasis of the facial skin.
I consulted various doctors, underwent treatment, and even visited well-known therapeutic resorts, but the illness did not recede.
Eventually, I travelled to Samtavro Monastery, to the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
I returned several times to pray, asking the Lord for help, and took blessed oil home with me.
In time, my condition improved significantly.
With all my heart, I thank the Lord for His mercy and Saint Gabriel for his prayerful intercession before the Throne of God.
“The saints always lead a person to Christ, the Source of every healing.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Irina Ribadze.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 49
Many Instances of Help Received by One Family
The Story of Angelina Mutsaridze
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
Over many years, our family repeatedly experienced God’s help through the prayers of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
On one occasion, a woman I knew suffered from an enlarged thyroid gland.
After praying together, I reverently anointed her with blessed oil.
According to her, her condition soon improved noticeably.
Later, I myself received help.
For a long time, I had been troubled by a venous condition.
As I turned to the Lord in prayer and used oil from Saint Gabriel’s resting place, I felt relief.
Other events occurred in our family that we also received as the mercy of God.
A relative had a small cyst above her eye.
After prayer and anointing, it disappeared.
On another occasion, my daughter-in-law suffered severe sunburn.
After prayer and anointing, the pain soon passed and her skin recovered quickly.
Each of these events strengthened our faith and taught us to place our hope first and foremost in the Lord.
“We thank the Lord, Who through the prayers of His saints grants people help and consolation.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Angelina Mutsaridze.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 50
A Journey from Fear to Gratitude
The Story of Amiran Khujadze
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
Because of a serious illness, my condition deteriorated rapidly.
Doctors diagnosed disease of the duodenum, hepatitis, and inflammation of the gallbladder.
I lost a great deal of weight, and constant fear accompanied the illness.
Seeking spiritual support, I travelled to Samtavro Monastery.
At the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, I prayed fervently to the Lord and took blessed oil home.
After prayer, I used this holy oil with reverence.
The very next day, I felt considerable relief.
Later, I told the monastery brotherhood what had happened, and together we gave thanks to the Lord for His mercy.
Some time afterwards, I again felt unwell.
During that period, I was reading a book about Saint Gabriel.
While praying, I placed it against the painful area and soon felt relief.
These experiences reminded me that the Lord is always near those who turn to Him in faith.
“Do not be afraid—only believe and trust in the mercy of God.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Amiran Khujadze.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 51
A Life Preserved by the Lord
The Story of Thekla Samanishvili
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
During pregnancy, an examination revealed serious abnormalities in the child’s development.
The doctors urged me to terminate the pregnancy.
But I could not agree.
Every day, I prayed fervently to the Lord, asking for help through the prayers of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
I reverently anointed my abdomen with blessed oil and entrusted the child’s future to God in faith.
The day of the birth arrived.
The baby girl was born completely healthy.
This brought immense joy to our family and also astonished the medical staff.
Today, our Varvara is already several years old, and every day we thank the Lord for His ineffable mercy.
“Children are a great gift from God, for which one can never cease giving thanks.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Thekla Samanishvili.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 52
Before the Scheduled Operation
The Story of Lia Papiashvili
Tbilisi • Georgia
The Story
Following an examination, doctors discovered a breast tumour.
The oncologist insisted that surgery be carried out as soon as possible.
On the advice of those close to me, I first decided to visit Samtavro Monastery.
At the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, I prayed to the Lord for a long time.
Mother Paraskeva blessed me and anointed me with the blessed oil.
A subsequent examination showed that the earlier abnormalities could no longer be found.
For me, this was a great mercy from God.
I give all glory for what happened to the Lord and thank Saint Gabriel as an intercessor and advocate before Him.
“Every good and perfect gift comes down from above—from the Lord.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Lia Papiashvili.
Tbilisi.
TESTIMONY No. 53
The Mercy of God in a Difficult Hour
The Story of Mariam Chokheli
Georgia
The Story
During an examination, two cystic formations were discovered in my breast.
The doctor recommended surgery.
During this difficult period, I began praying to the Lord every day and asking Saint Gabriel Urgebadze for his prayerful intercession.
I reverently used oil blessed at his resting place.
A later examination showed that both formations had disappeared.
With all my heart, I thank the Lord for His mercy and Saint Gabriel for his prayers.
“May the Lord be glorified for ever!”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Mariam Chokheli.
TESTIMONY No. 54
A Child Saw God’s World
The Testimony of a Grateful Grandmother
Georgia
The Story
When our granddaughter was only two months old, doctors diagnosed congenital glaucoma accompanied by loss of sight.
Together with our relatives, we first decided to have the child baptised and entrust her life to the Lord.
We frequently travelled to Samtavro Monastery, prayed at the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze, and asked for his prayerful intercession.
In time, the girl’s condition began to improve.
Today, she can see well.
For our entire family, this became a great reason to glorify the Lord.
“Glory to the Lord for His endless love and mercy!”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of a grateful grandmother.
TESTIMONY No. 55
The Cancelled Operation
The Story of Tsisana Kiliftari
Ozurgeti • Georgia
The Story
My great-granddaughter Maria developed severe ear pain.
After an examination, a professor scheduled an operation.
Before the appointed date, we decided to travel to Samtavro Monastery.
Each time, we prayed to the Lord and, with a blessing, used oil blessed at the resting place of Saint Gabriel.
On the day of the operation, the doctor examined the child carefully once again.
To our surprise, surgery was no longer necessary.
Maria was healthy.
With gratitude, we glorified the Lord for His mercy and have never ceased praying to Saint Gabriel.
“The Lord always knows what is beneficial for a person and grants help according to His holy will.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Tsisana Kiliftari.
Ozurgeti.
TESTIMONY No. 56
A Return to Life and Sport
The Story of Irma Tsiklauri
Georgia
The Story
My thirteen-year-old son, who played football seriously, suffered a severe spinal injury during a match.
Despite consultations with renowned specialists, his condition only worsened.
He could no longer sit or lie down without severe pain.
Doctors spoke of lengthy treatment and warned that he would have to forget about sport.
Without losing hope, we travelled to Samtavro Monastery.
At the resting place of Saint Gabriel, my son knelt down with great difficulty.
We prayed fervently to the Lord.
Soon after returning home, we saw an unexpected change.
The boy felt considerably better and was again able to move freely.
For our family, this was a great consolation and strengthening of faith.
“Glory to the Lord, Who through the prayers of His saints strengthens people in their trials.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Irma Tsiklauri.
TESTIMONY No. 57
Maria’s First Word
Recollections of Archpriest David Grigalashvili
Tsnori • Georgia
The Story
I established my family with the blessing of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
The Lord gave us four children.
However, our youngest daughter Maria was born with a developmental condition.
Until the age of three, she could not speak and communicated only through gestures and individual sounds.
In 2001, our whole family travelled to Samtavro Monastery.
At the resting place of Saint Gabriel, we prayed fervently to the Lord, asking that our daughter be given the ability to speak.
As we were preparing to leave, something unusual happened.
Maria suddenly ran towards the saint’s grave and brought back an apricot that we had not noticed there before.
Mother Paraskeva said:
— Let the girl eat it.
On the way home, what we had awaited for many years occurred.
For the first time in her life, Maria said clearly:
— Daddy, buy me a bread roll.
Those simple words became the most precious gift to us.
From that time onward, our daughter spoke as freely as other children.
Even today, we thank the Lord for this ineffable mercy shown to our family through the prayers of Saint Gabriel.
“The Lord does all things for a person’s good, and the saints are our intercessors before His Throne.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the recollections of Archpriest David Grigalashvili,
Rector of the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Tsnori.
TESTIMONY No. 58
“Blessed Are Those Who Believe in God…”
The Story of Meri Makadze
Tbilisi • 2010
The Story
In 2010, our family endured a severe trial.
My grandson Giorgi became seriously ill with meningitis.
His condition was so grave that the doctors feared for his life.
During those days of profound sorrow, the Lord granted me an extraordinary experience.
In a dream, I saw myself at Samtavro Monastery, near the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
Together with other people, we knelt and prayed to the Lord.
Suddenly, Saint Gabriel approached me, placed his hand upon my head, and said:
“Blessed are those who believe in God and inherit the Kingdom of God.”
Until that time, I had been far from church life.
I rarely attended church and hardly ever participated in divine services.
But after this experience, my heart changed completely.
The following day, I travelled to Samtavro Monastery.
With tears, I asked Mother Paraskeva to pray with me for my grandson’s health and to ask Saint Gabriel to intercede for us before the Lord.
Three days later, Giorgi’s condition unexpectedly changed for the better.
According to our family’s testimony, the child recovered quickly, which also came as a great surprise to the doctors.
For me, however, the most important thing was not only my grandson’s recovery, but also my own return to God.
It was then that I truly found faith for the first time and understood that the Lord never abandons those who come to Him in sincere prayer.
“Through sorrow, the Lord leads a person to faith, and the saints become our intercessors and guides along this path.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of Meri Makadze.
Tbilisi, 2010.
TESTIMONY No. 59
Two Brothers and One Hope
The Story of the Rizhamadze Family
Tbilisi • 2010
The Story
In 2009, my son Nikolai suffered a serious leg injury.
The pain was so severe that he could no longer walk without assistance.
Despite his condition, Nikolai asked to be taken to Samtavro Monastery so that he could pray at the resting place of Saint Gabriel Urgebadze.
We fulfilled his request.
At the saint’s grave, my son reverently turned to the Lord and asked for help through Saint Gabriel’s prayers.
After praying, he was able to stand up by himself and walk without assistance to the blackberry bush traditionally associated with the memory of Saint Nino, Equal-to-the-Apostles.
What happened deeply moved our entire family.
Some time later, my second son, Alexander, also suffered a serious leg injury.
He too asked first of all to be taken to Samtavro to pray to the Lord.
Several days later, the doctors removed the plaster cast.
According to their assessment, the recovery was progressing much better than expected.
We received everything that happened as a special mercy of God shown to our family through the prayers of Saint Gabriel.
These events strengthened us even more in faith and taught us to seek help first and foremost from the Lord.
“In every trial of life, let us first turn to Christ, Who through the prayers of His saints strengthens and comforts each person.”
Glory to God for all things!
From the testimony of N. Rizhamadze.
Tbilisi, 2010.
