January 1
David III “the Restorer” (+ 1130)
King
Practical advice
Set aside fifteen minutes of silence today to speak with God.
Biography
A son of Emperor George, he had not yet reached the age of ten when his father placed the imperial crown upon him in 1089. He reigned in Georgia from 1089 to 1130. He was called the Builder because, through his great intelligence and remarkable capacity for work, he restored the kingdom to its former glory and improved the people’s living conditions. He was also the “restorer” of the Georgian Church. While driving out the enemies of his homeland, he rebuilt demolished churches and monasteries, sponsored the work of cultural institutions and, in agreement with ecclesiastical authority, convened synods to restore discipline among the clergy and the Christian people. After his death, his relics were taken to the monastery of Gelati.