Elioz Mtskheteli

Elioz Mtskheteli (of Mtskheta) was a representative of the Jewish community of Mtskheta in the first half of the 1st century AD. According to Georgian historical sources, he carried the Robe of Jesus Christ to Mtskheta. He acquired the seamless robe of Jesus at the time of the crucifixion.

The sources suggest that Georgian Jews maintained close ties with Jerusalem. In the year 30 AD, the high priest Annas sent a letter from Jerusalem informing the Jewish community of Mtskheta about the ongoing social and religious developments related to the deeds of Jesus Christ. He notified them that Jesus was declaring himself to be the Son of God, which contradicted the laws of Moses. Therefore, by the order of King Herod, Jews from various countries were to gather for the trial of Jesus.

From Kartli, four representatives of the Jewish community of Mtskheta traveled to Jerusalem, led by Elioz. According to Teimuraz Batonishvili’s account, Elioz had previously been in Jerusalem. He was reportedly a close friend of the Apostle Philip and had become acquainted with Jesus through him.

According to The Conversion of Kartli (Moktsevai Kartlisai), Elioz arrived to Georgia he was met by his sister Sidonia, who, upon embracing the Robe to her heart, immediately passed away. This event stirred great interest in Kartli. King Aderki wished to obtain the Robe but became fearful and did not dare to claim it. Elioz Mtskheteli buried his sister along with the Robe of the Lord at the place where the Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli was later built.

Source: ქართლის ცხოვრება, ს. ყაუხჩიშვილის გამოც., ტ. 1, თბ., 1955; მოქცევაჲ ქართლისაჲ, წგ.: ძველი ქართული აგიოგრაფიული ლიტერატურის ძეგლები, წგ. 1, ილ. აბულაძის რედ., თბ., 1963.

Deacon Zaza (Tevzadze)