Sandoukht, the First Armenian Christian Martyr

Armodoxy for Today: One minute for Summertime

Sandoukht, the First Armenian Christian Martyr

In the Book of Acts we read about Stephen, the first deacon and first martyr of the Christian Church. The Apostolic Church was commissioned to venture out to new areas spreading the Gospel of love, truth and hope through Jesus Christ to the spiritually hungry word. As the Christian Church grew, so did the animosity against its followers. Thaddeus arrived in Armenia circa 40 AD preaching the Gospel, baptizing and converting the people to Christianity. Among those early converts was a young girl named Sandoukht. She was was daughter of the King of Armenia, Sanadruk.

At first the King forbid his daughter from following Jesus, but Sandoukt was defiant and because more and more she understood the power of Christ in her life. After many threats, the king laid down the law: either the sword or the crown! If Sandoukht wanted to remain in the royal family she must abandon following Christ. If not, she would face death by the sword.

Sandoukht became the first Armenian martyr by choosing to follow Christ. She is celebrated this week in the Armenian Church along with St. Thaddeus, the Apostle to Armenia.

While there may be no one taunting us with the “sword or the crown” question, but certainly we are aware of how the “crown” in the guise of material wealth can lure us away from God. Saint Sandoukht gives us an opportunity to reflect on our priorities and where those priorities may lead.

Today’s one minute for Summertime.