St. Sarkis (Sargis) was a Roman military commander whom Emperor Constantine the Great (306–337 AD) appointed governor and stratelates of Cappadocia, a region bordering Armenia. He actively preached the Gospel and destroyed pagan sanctuaries.
During the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate (360–363 AD), St. Sarkis was forced to leave the Roman Empire. Together with his son Martiros, he first found refuge in Armenia. However, since Armenia was allied with Rome, he risked persecution there as well. Following the advice of King Tiran of Armenia, St. Sarkis traveled to Persia and entered the military service of the Sasanian Shah Shapur II (309–379 AD). Before long, he gained renown as a brave and skilled commander, and many Persian soldiers embraced Christianity under his influence.
These events did not go unnoticed at the Persian court. Shah Shapur II summoned St. Sarkis and his son and demanded that they offer sacrifices in the royal sanctuary. However, they resolutely refused, openly professing their faith in the one true God and scorning the idols. Enraged, a mob led by pagan priests attacked them, trampling Martiros to death, while St. Sarkis was cast into prison. The Persian shah hoped that the skillful military commander, after enduring suffering, would renounce Christ and pledge allegiance to him. Yet St. Sarkis remained steadfast in his faith and was beheaded by the shah’s order.
Fourteen Persian soldiers who had remained loyal to St. Sarkis and sought to claim his body were also executed by Shapur’s decree, receiving the crown of martyrdom. Soon after, upon receiving news of an enemy invasion, the shah and his army hastily fled the capital. The bodies of the martyrs were later retrieved and buried with honor by Christians in the city of Hamia.
Some time afterward, St. Mesrop Mashtots transferred the remains of St. Sarkis to Armenia, enshrining them in the village of Karbi, where a monastery was later built in his name.
Before his martyrdom, St. Sarkis prayed:
"O Lord Jesus Christ, hear those who call upon my name in their time of distress and honor my martyrdom with prayer and offering. Grant their petitions and fulfill their requests."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I shall grant your request and supplication; now go forth and enjoy the blessings prepared for you.