Christopher of Guria

It is commonly believed that Saint Christopher Guruli, Martyr Christopher of Guria, was martyred, but little information exists about him to prove this. His name has been preserved in the nation's memory, and he is commemorated in the Church calendar. His Georgian ancestry is indicated by his appellation "Guruli," which means "from the province of Guria" (in western Georgia), from which Church historians have been led to believe that he labored in Georgia. The Georgian Church has commemorated him each year since the sixteenth century, and it is known only that he labored in Georgia and died a martyr for Christ. He is commemorated on 16 August (new style; 29 August on the old calendar).