The Monk Isa (Jesse), Bishop of Cilkan, was born in Antioch in Syria into a pious Christian family. Even as a teenager, he felt attracted to the spiritual life, and upon reaching adulthood, with the blessing of his parents, he went to one of the Antiochian monasteries, where the Monk John of Zedaznia was then laboring.
Among the 13 holy Syrian (Cappadocian) fathers (May 7), chosen by lot by St. John of Zedaznia (as the Most Holy Theotokos commanded), St. Isa came to Georgia. Here, together with other holy fathers, he taught the people and instructed them in a pious life, setting an example of holiness and healing the sick.
The fame of the exploits of the holy 13 Syrian fathers increased among the people so much that Catholicos-Archbishop of Georgia Evlaviy (533-544) proposed to the Council of bishops to elect some of these ascetics to vacant chairs. When it was difficult to choose whom, since all were equally worthy of the episcopal dignity, they decided to ascend Mount Zaden, where the ascetics lived, and select those who would celebrate the Divine Liturgy there at that time. Thus, Hieromonk Aviv and Hierodeacon Ise, who was appointed to the Cilkan see, became bishops. Arriving in his diocese, Saint Isa was struck by the abundance of pagan rituals, customs and superstitions. He zealously devoted himself to the restoration of piety, preaching tirelessly and often performing Divine Services. His labors sprouted – Orthodox piety was established in the Cilkan diocese, and with it the Church of Christ was established. Continuing his ascetic labors, Saint Isa acquired the great gifts of prayer and miracle-working. Following his prayer in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, a stream of water separated from the Ksani River, which, following the movement of the holy rod, formed the channel and stretched to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary (near Tsilkani). Having improved his diocese, Saint Isa went to preach the Word of God to the Ossetians and other mountain peoples of the Main Caucasian Range. He walked around gorges and rocks with the Gospel and the cross in his hands, affirming the Revealed teaching everywhere.
Saint Isa learned about the nearness of his death by revelation from above. Having gathered his flock and clergy, he gave spiritual instruction, partook of the Holy Mysteries, and with uplifted hands gave his soul to the Lord. This happened at the end of the sixth century. (The exact date of the saint's death is August 18). The venerable relics of Saint Isa, glorified by healing already during his burial, were interred in the church of the Most Holy Theotokos in Tsilkani, between the altar and the altar. The Church canonized Saint Isa and established his memory on December 2.