Saint Evstati the Martyr – A Persian Convert to Christ

(Memory July 29 / August 11)

Saint Evstati, originally named Gvirobandak, was of Persian descent and a devoted fire-worshipper before embracing Christianity. When he arrived in Mtskheta, Georgia, he was deeply moved by the faith and traditions of the Georgian people and made the courageous decision to convert to Orthodox Christianity.

His baptism, performed by Catholicos Samoel, marked the beginning of his new life in Christ. Renamed Evstati, he fully assimilated into Georgian society, marrying a Georgian woman and becoming an active member of the Church. However, in a time when Persian rulers persecuted Christians, his decision came with great danger.

Faith Under Persecution

Once, the Persian rulers of Mtskheta invited Evstati to a religious festival, but he boldly refused, declaring:

“I am sealed with the mark of Christ and far removed from all darkness!”

His refusal led to accusations, and he was brought before Ustam, the chief of Mtskheta Fortress, who threatened him with severe punishment if he did not renounce his faith. But St. Evstati responded with unwavering courage:

“For the sake of Christ, I am prepared not only to suffer but to die with joy!”

Ustam, lacking the authority to sentence him, sent him to Marzban Arvand Gushnasp, the Persian governor in Tbilisi. At the same time, seven other Persians who had also converted to Christianity were accused and arrested.

Suffering for Christ

The marzban subjected St. Evstati and the others to humiliating and brutal torture—shaving their heads and beards, boring holes in their noses, hanging weights around their necks, and chaining their bodies before imprisoning them. Those who renounced Christ were freed, but St. Evstati and five others—Gushnaki, Borzo, Perozak, Zarmil, and Stepane—remained steadfast.

Six months later, Catholicos Samoel, Duke Grigol of Mtskheta, and nobleman Arshusha intervened, securing their temporary release. However, the Persian rulers continued their relentless persecution.

Martyrdom and Eternal Glory

Three years later, a new Persian governor, Vezhan Buzmir, took power, and St. Evstati and Stepane were again denounced. Knowing his fate was sealed, St. Evstati bid farewell to his family, saying:

“I will not betray Christ, and for this, they will not forgive me. Imprisonment and beheading await me in Tbilisi. But according to God’s will, my remains will be brought back here.”

Brought before the marzban, Evstati fearlessly proclaimed his faith, refusing to deny Christ. That same night, the enraged governor ordered his execution. St. Evstati was beheaded, and his body was thrown outside the fortress walls to be devoured by birds.

However, faithful Christians recovered his holy relics, secretly bringing them to Mtskheta. Catholicos Samoel met them and, with great honor, had the saint buried in Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, beneath the altar.

A Prayer to Saint Evstati

“O invincible Martyr Evstati, truly have you earned your honorable name! Protect and intercede for those who call upon you!”

May his steadfast faith and courageous martyrdom inspire us all to remain firm in our devotion to Christ, even in the face of trials and persecution.

🕊 May his memory be eternal!