Labor and Hospitality at Davit-Gareji
The account of Christesia's monastic life centers on his service to the community and to travelers. He is said to have walked over four miles each day to fill a pitcher with water, which he carried to a small hut and hung at its entrance so that it could be seen from a distance; passing travelers could then come and quench their thirst. He is also remembered for keeping a vegetable garden for the benefit of travelers and for preparing commemorative kolio, boiled wheat, each week.
His cell is described as bare, furnished only with a wooden plank for a bed, a stone for a pillow, a sheepskin coat, and sandals of bark. He gave his possessions to the poor and, according to the tradition, stored no provisions for himself, trusting instead in God. He was also known as a reconciler of those who quarreled, counseling disputing parties and telling them that if they would not heed his words he would depart in sorrow.