David and Constantine

The Holy Martyrs David and Constantine Mkheidze were brothers, princes of Argveti in western Georgia, killed by the Arabs in the year 740, in the eighth century. They were known as "learned in the Old and New Law, true believers, tried and brave in battles". When they learned of the invasion of Marwan the Deaf, they asked the Lord's help, gathered an army, and appointed prayers and vigils. The Georgians encamped near Mount Persati were attacked and, with God's help, won. Marwan, enraged, gathered a countless army, and the Arabs devastated everything; the survivors hid in the forests. In the unequal battle the brothers were taken prisoner.

Brought bound before Marwan, they were mocked, and the brothers answered that his glory was passing and that his victory was due to the sins of the Georgians. Marwan, furious, ordered their martyrdom. Marvelling at their courage, he then tried with flattery to bend David, promising honour and the rank of commander if he accepted the law of Muhammad. David made the sign of the Cross and answered that they would not leave the light for darkness, confessing Christ and condemning the Koran. The saints received the martyrs' crown.

Their bodies remained incorrupt three hundred years in a tomb. In the first half of the eleventh century King Bagrat III rebuilt the church destroyed by the Saracens and moved their relics into it; they worked many healings. They are commemorated on 2 October (new style).