Biography
Evagrius of Mgvime
About Evagrius of Mgvime
Evagrius of Mgvime is remembered as a disciple of Shio and his successor as abbot in sixth-century Georgia. The Georgian Encyclopedia places him in the century’s second half. It identifies him as a former ruler of Tsikhedidi who entered monastic life under Shio’s influence.
His surviving biography belongs to a later period. The encyclopedia identifies an earlier version associated with the tenth-century catholicos Arsenius II and an expanded version from the eleventh or twelfth century. These sources preserve the monastery’s memory of its founders, rather than contemporary testimony about their daily lives.
According to the life published by the Orthodox Church in America, Evagrius encountered Shio while hunting. A bird resembling a dove drew his attention to the hermit’s dwelling. When Evagrius wanted to stay, Shio warned that someone accustomed to comfort might find the change difficult. The narrative then describes him giving away his possessions and learning patience and prayer beside his teacher’s cave. These are traditions of his conversion, not independently established episodes.
The same account describes a later test of responsibility. When Shio withdrew into seclusion, the monks asked him to choose a successor. Evagrius initially protested that he was unequal to the task. He eventually accepted his teacher’s counsel and took charge of the community. In this story, the former ruler’s new authority came through reluctant service to his fellow monks.
Evagrius also appears in medieval evidence for the monastery’s continuing memory. The encyclopedia records him in its carved stone screen, a later church inscription, and a royal charter of 1170. It also credits him with purchasing land for the community. His veneration remains linked to Shiomghvime and to the succession from its founder to the disciple entrusted with its care.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.