Venerable George the Builder of Iveron

Life and Office

George belonged to the community of the Iveron Monastery, a Georgian foundation on Mount Athos established late in the tenth century (between roughly 980 and 983) by Georgian monks. The monastery took its name from the Greek word for the Iberians, reflecting its Georgian character, and served as a center of scholarship for Georgian clergy. According to some sources, George was a nephew of Saint John, the monastery's founder and first abbot.

George became abbot after Saint Ekvtime (Euthymius) departed for Jerusalem, becoming, by the OCA's account, the third abbot of the monastery. For most of his life he was highly respected and even revered in the Byzantine imperial court.

Building of the Church

Under George's leadership the monastery's main church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, was built. An inscription on the wall of the church preserves his memory and reads: "I established these columns and they will not be shaken unto the ages. Monk George the Georgian, Builder." It is from this work that he is known as "the Builder."

Slander, Exile, and Repose

Despite his standing at the imperial court, George was eventually slandered and falsely accused of treason. He was exiled to the island of Monovatia, where he reposed in the year 1029. His persecutors stole and desecrated treasures of the monastery, and the Emperor Michael later restored its stolen property.

Relics & Shrines

Georgian monks afterward transferred George's incorrupt relics from Monovatia to Mount Athos, where they were buried in a marble tomb at the Iveron Monastery.