St. Sarkis
St. Sarkis was from Capadoccia and a well respected commander in the Byzantine army led by Constantine the Great. During the region of emperor Julian the Apostate, (361-363) “the Great Persecutor of Christianity”, St. Sarkis took refuge in Armenia and later to Persia. He was a devoted soldier of God. As barbarians were threatening the land, King Shabooh appointed St. Sarkis as commander to engage the enemy. He led his army several battles even though greatly outnumbered, inspiring his soldiers and preaching the Power and Might of the Holy God, defender of all those who believed in Him.
The soldiers, stirred by St. Sarkis’s strong faith, cried out: “We believe in the God of St. Sarkis”. The battles were won and as a result of these victories, many soldiers converted to Christianity and were baptized. St. Sarkis and his son Mardiros were eventually martyred. St. Sarkis is regarded as God’s messenger who reached out haste to grant our God pleasing wishes.