George of Choziba was a Greek Cypriot monk who led the Choziba monastery located near Jerusalem. Born on Cyprus, he was raised within a monastic setting by an uncle after losing his parents. Although he originally sought to join his brother at the Calamon lavra, he was instead sent to the coenobium of Choziba. He is remembered for his ascetic lifestyle, which included abstaining from wine and observing weekly all-night vigils while living in a monastic cell.
Monastic life
During his time at Choziba, George maintained strict discipline alongside his fellow monks. He remained at the monastery during the Persian invasion of 614, an event that significantly impacted Palestinian monastic communities. His life and the circumstances of the invasion were documented by his disciple, Antony of Choziba, in a hagiography that provides historical insight into the period.
Veneration and legacy
The monastery where he served is currently named in his honor. He is commemorated as a saint in both Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions, with his feast day observed on 8 January. A depiction of George is preserved among paintings of desert saints on the walls of a burial cave in the Mar Saba monastery, where he is identified by an inscription.