This week in Christian history: Georgian king martyred, Baptist denomination founded

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, November 10, 2024

King Constantine of Georgia martyred – Nov. 10, 852

A 19th century depiction of St. Konstanti-Kakha (768-852), also known as King Constantine of Georgia, a Christian monarch who was martyred for his faith by an invading Muslim army. | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of when King Constantine of Georgia, also known as St. Konstanti-Kakha or Constantine-Kakhi, was martyred for his faith by a Muslim army.

During the 850s, Arab Muslims invaded Georgia and took the 85-year-old Constantine and his son, Tarkhuj, captive after defeating his army at a battle near the city of Gori.

When Caliph Ja’far al Mutawakkil demanded that Constantine convert to Islam, the Christian monarch refused, reportedly declaring that the Muslim ruler’s “sword does not frighten me.”

“I am afraid of Him Who can destroy my soul and body and Who has the power to resurrect and to kill, for He is the true God, the almighty Sovereign, Ruler of the world, and Father unto all ages!” he said, according to the Orthodox Church in America.

Soon after making his declaration, Constantine was beheaded. His body was hung from a high pillar as a warning. Eventually, his remains were returned to Georgia for a proper burial.