Razhden The Protomartyr - History

History

The earliest mention of Razhden is found in the "History of King Vakhtang Gorgasali", part of the medieval Georgian historical compendium, composed in the 8th or 11th century and traditionally attributed to Juansher Juansheriani. The source relates Razhden's death as a martyr during the war of Sassanids against King Vakhtang I of Iberia.

Razhden was a guardian or tutor (მამამძუძუ, mamamdzudzu) of Balendukht, a daughter of the king of the Persians, whom he accompanied to Iberia on the occasion of her marriage with King Vakhtang. Razhden converted to Christianity and entered Vakhtang’s service, proving himself an able soldier. He was eventually taken captive by the Persians and tortured to death for refusing to reject Christianity. Vakhtang later built the church of Nikozi at the site of Razhden's burial and installed a bishop there. According to the "History of King Vakhtang Gorgasali", Vakhtang also built a church in St. Razhden's honor in the suburb of Ujarma.

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