Ruler-Apostle Chosen by God: Legitimization of Power and Identity Formation in Byzantine and Georgian Narratives on the Christianization of Georgia/K‘art‘li

Abstract Almost every story related to the conversion of a ruler is related to the topoi fashioned by the earliest narratives that reflect this process. Eusebius of Caesarea, recounting a tale about the conversion of the emperor Constantine, develops his own concept of ruler’s apostolicity. He presents Constantine as equal to the apostles. Later ecclesiastical historiographers also ascribe apostolic activities to the converted kings alongside acknowledging the missions of evangelizers of various countries. By juxtaposing the Byzantine and Georgian narratives recounting a story about the conversion of the Iberian king to Christianity by a certain captiva Christi, I will try to elucidate what these sources have to say with respect to the concept of a ruler preacher/apostle chosen by God.