Holy Martyr Christopher of Guria (XVI)

We have no biographical information about the holy martyr Christopher of Guria. His name enters the church calendar of Georgia from the sixteenth century.

As a rule, the holy Church always carefully keeps the memory of those who by a holy life or a martyr’s death proved their love for God, and whom God glorified with heavenly signs and various miracles. Their lives and labours are written down and handed on by word of mouth too; in the first centuries the Liturgy and services of prayer were celebrated at their graves. Churches are built in their name, or their holy relics are moved into newly built churches; icons and fitting prayers are written, and some special day is appointed for their commemoration — in most cases the day of their departure from this world, that is, of their coming before the Lord.

Unhappily there are also saints of whom only the names are known and a day of commemoration has remained. The malice of the times and our own negligence have given their lives over to the depths of oblivion.

Since the sixteenth century the Apostolic Church of Georgia has commemorated every year on 16 (29) August Saint Christopher of Guria, of whom it is known only that he laboured in Georgia and ended his life as a martyr for Christ.