Holy Martyr Hermenegild, Prince of the Goths (†586) — November 1 / November 14 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, November 1 according to the Julian Calendar (November 14 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyr Hermenegild, Prince of the Goths.

The holy martyr Hermenegild was the son of the king of the Goths. He was converted from the Arian heresy to Orthodoxy by Leander, a bishop of Spain. Hermenegild’s father held firmly to Arianism and tried in every way to turn his son back to it, but in vain. During the conflict that broke out between father and son over the faith, Hermenegild was captured and, bound in chains, shut up in a narrow, dark cell. On the eve of Pascha an Arian bishop was sent to give Communion to the imprisoned prince, but the chosen one of the Lord would not receive the heretic. The enraged Arians beheaded the blessed one. This took place in the year 586, on the night of April 13–14.

Astonished by the firmness and courage of his son’s faith, the father repented of what he had done, but he could not bring himself to accept Orthodoxy. He ordered Bishop Leander at least to convert his heir, Reccared, to the true faith. After becoming king, Reccared established Orthodoxy throughout the whole country.