Saint George the God-bearer and Recluse labored in the Black Mountains near Antioch during a flourishing period for monasticism in the region. To avoid tensions that arose among monks of different nationalities, he withdrew to a remote, inaccessible cleft in the mountains, earning the name “Recluse.” Despite his seclusion, his reputation for holiness drew many seekers, including the young ascetic George of the Holy Mountain, who sought him out as a spiritual guide. Saint George accepted him, provided a place in a monastery, and after three years of strict ascetic discipline, tonsured him into the schema and perfected him in the monastic life. He then sent him to Jerusalem and later blessed him to continue the spiritual and literary work of Saint Ekvtime at Ivḗron Monastery on Mount Athos.
Though Saint George of the Holy Mountain initially neglected his translation duties, Saint George the Recluse, upon learning this, sent a rebuke through his disciple Theodore, reminding him of his mission. Obediently, George resumed his translation work. Meanwhile, Saint George the Recluse remained in solitude, dedicating himself to copying and preserving key spiritual texts. He transcribed the Life of Martha and the Life of Saint Barlaam, sending them to Mount Athos when he learned no copies were available there. A revered spiritual father and man of letters, Saint George the Recluse reposed in 1068, shortly after the death of his beloved disciple.
Troparion — Tone 8
By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father George, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!