St. Sarkis is the patron saint of love and youth in Armenia. According to legend, Sarkis was a Christian prince in the 4th century who refused to renounce his faith for the Persian king and was killed along with his son. Their relics were later brought to a village in Armenia. The feast of St. Sarkis commemorates this story and involves traditions where young people seek blessings for finding love, such as eating special cookies before bed and looking for footprints left by St. Sarkis. It is celebrated on January 23rd in Armenia.

1. Feast of St. Sarkis Patron of Love and
Youth

2. The story of Sarkis
• St. Sarkis is the patron of love and youth for Armenian
people.
• This year the 23rd of January is the day of St. Sarkis and
blessing of the youth.
• Sarkis was Greek by nationality and lived in Cappadocia
bordering Armenia. As Sarkis was very courageous, he
became a Prince and General in Chief in the region.
When Julianos the Betrayer (360-363) became the king
in this country his life was in danger. Julianos wanted to
kill all Christians. Sarkis and his son Martiros went to
Armenia. The Armenian king Tiran, grandson of
Tiridates, received them very well.

3. • Later he went to Persia and became a very good
captain. But the Persian king Shapouh demanded
him to worship the fire like the Persian people
did. But Sarkis was a real Christian and didn’t
want to change his faith. The Persian people
killed St. Sarkis and his son Martiros. This is why
he became saint for many people. After many
years St. Mesrop Mashtots brought the relics of
the saint to the village Karbi (Ashtarak Region)
and the Church of St. Sarkis was built over his
relics.

4. • Poor bard Gharib loved a girl called Shah-Sanam. She was
the daughter of a very rich man. Shah-Sanam loved the
bard, too, but because the bard was poor, Shah-Sanam’s
father didn’t want them to marry. He wished to marry his
daughter to a rich man. Bard Gharib decided to go to
foreign countries to earn money and to become wealthy.
The Legend of St. Sarkis

5. • Bard Gharib asked Shah-Sanam to promise to wait for
him for seven years. And only if he is late even for one
day she might marry another man.
• During the seven years Gharib was very sad and it was
a very difficult period for him, as he couldn’t see his
beloved, had no news of her. But he didn’t lose hope.
• He was working day and night and became a rich man.
It was time for him to go back to his country. However,
on his way back he faced many difficulties and
hardships. He thought he wouldn’t see his beloved
again. So, he prayed St. Sarkis to help him.

6. • St. Sarkis heard his prayer. He came sitting on
his white horse, seated Gharib on the back of
the horse and in one moment brought him to
Shah-Sanam. When Shah-Sanam’s father saw
the bard’s strong will and deep love and
devotion, he blessed their union.

7. Celebrations
• In Armenia on the eve of the feast young people eat salty
cookies and do not drink water. They believe that they will
see their future spouse – husband or wife in their dream.
• Also, on the night before the feast of St. Sarkis people put a
tray full of flour before the door. They believe that St. Sarkis
will put a footprint while passing near their door. If this
happens all their dreams will come true.
• People in love give each other presents: beautiful cards,
flowers or sweets on this day. And in all churches a Liturgy
is served. After this a special ceremony of blessing of young
people is held.

8. Prepared by:
Sergey Boyakhchyan 7-3 class
Mane Boyakhchyan 5-2 class
Sources:
https://www.dasaran.am/apps/wiki/view/id/9904
http://ystudies.am/blog/1273
http://www.saintsarkis.net/about/who-is-st-sarkis
https://www.qahana.am/en/holidays/2016-01-23/1