St. Sarkis the Warrior

St. Sarkis is known as the all-powerful warrior and saint riding on a white charger, who, in the blink of an eye, reaches those calling to him for help.  A devout and faithful Christian, he lived in the fourth century and was noted for his exceptional military talents. St. Sarkis is venerated by the Armenians due to his courageous victories for Christianity.

During the reign of Constantine the Great, St. Sarkis, a Greek, was recognized for his great military skill as a warrior, and was made a general in the Roman armies. St. Sarkis' valor, strength, and bravery earned him the rank of general. As a Christian, he used his position of power for spiritual growth, going from town-to-town, purging the land of pagan idols, teaching the Gospel, and building churches where pagan temples once stood.

When Emperor Constantine died, Christianity throughout the region came under attack from the new Roman leader, Julian the Apostate. Under his leadership, pagans set about destroying churches and persecuting Christians.

Seeing this, Sarkis prayed. Jesus appeared to him and said, "It is time for you to leave your country and your clan, as did Abraham the Patriarch, and go to a country which I will show you. There, you will receive the crown of righteousness prepared for you." Sarkis went with his son, Mardiros, to Armenia, where they were welcomed by King Diran, grandson of King Drtad.

King Diran urged Sarkis to seek refuge among the Persians as Emperor Julian was killing all Christians in his bid to take over the world. Persia’s King Shapur, hearing of his bravery, appointed him commander of the Persian military. Sarkis gave the credit for his victories in battle to God.

Some of Sarkis' soldiers told King Shapur that Sarkis was rebelling against the Persian ruler by preaching belief in Jesus. Sarkis was called back to the palace, to attend a feast honoring the pagan gods. Sarkis refused to offer a sacrifice to the pagan gods, saying he would only worship the one, true God. The king and his followers were enraged and killed his son, Mardiros, before his eyes. The king then ordered Sarkis executed. Sarkis began to pray. An angel descended from heaven and told him, "Be strong. Do not fear the killers of your body; for the gate of the Kingdom of Heaven is open for you."

Eventually, Christians found Sarkis' body and sent it to Assyria, where it remained until the fifth century, when Mesrob Mashdots received his remains and moved them to Armenia.