Memorial Day of Saint Gayane in Armenia (14/06)

On this day in Armenia they honor the memory of Saint Gayane — of the early Christian Armenian martyr and saint. Together with her 36 friends, she died at the hands of King Trdat III.

In 301, 37 Christian virgins came to Armenia, fleeing Rome due to persecution of Christians. King Trdatus III provided them with a roof over their heads, promising to protect them from the Romans. However, the beauty of one of the girls – Ripsime – amazed the king, and he wanted to take it, but she replied that she had made a vow to belong to Christ.

Then her abbess – Gayane was brought to the king along with Ripsime, hoping that she could influence her pupil to save the lives of the other virgins. But Deaconess Gayane encouraged the maiden and ordered her not to succumb to the king’s demands, to maintain her faith, and to remain celibate.

The king was indescribably furious and ordered Gayane to be executed along with the rest of her pupils. As innocent victims, they were later equated with saints.

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