In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Yesterday, the Armenian Church celebrated the life of a young princess and her experienced mentor. Princess Santookht was the daughter of Armenia’s 1st century powerful pagan King Sanadrook. Pre-Christian Armenia held strongly to its ancestral pagan practices until Thaddeus, an Apostle of Jesus, entered the borders of Armenia.
Thaddeus preached about Jesus everywhere he could—in homes, in underground caves, in the markets and on the streets and many people converted to Christianity because of him. Rumors of his preaching reached the Royal Court and caught the attention of the princess. Santookht quickly declared her faith in Christ and was baptized by Thaddeus, but when the king’s spies reported the news to her father, Santookht was thrown in prison.
What happened next is part tragedy and part inspirational. What happened next is the story of sacrificial faith. This sweet princess converted to the Christian faith at a time when no one in her father’s kingdom would dare do such a thing. How this happened is a story that should be told.
After the Apostle Thaddeus left Jerusalem, he made his way to Armenia and lived in the Province of Artaz near the King’s palace and began to preach the gospel and heal the sick. His influence was felt within the palace of the King. Princess Santookht was one of those influenced by what she heard and she converted and became one of Thaddeus’ most committed students.
She was fascinated by the stories he shared about the life and teachings and miracles of Jesus of Nazareth and how placing our trust in God changes our lives for the better. He taught her about living her life in a way that would prepare her for the Kingdom of Heaven. Through St. Thaddeus, the princess learned many things.
Firstly, that each day brings us closer to a final breath, a final heartbeat, a final moment and the Christian faith teaches two things about what comes after that. It’s all about our belief, our faith and it’s all about trusting Christ.
Secondly, because of St. Thaddeus, she chose to give up her “temporary kingdom,” to follow Christ into His Eternal Kingdom and to give up her pagan crown for the Eternal Crown of Heaven. Her father was furious with his daughter. She disobeyed him and caused him great embarrassment within his kingdom. So, he reacted immediately and harshly and had her imprisoned to think over her decision. As she entered her prison cell, she did so with complete trust in Jesus Christ. Eventually, the princess was brought before the king and he tried to convince his daughter to disregard everything she heard about a man who could walk on water, rise from the dead and heal people of their illnesses.
In an attempt to convince her, he placed two items before her—her royal crown and his sword. Her crown symbolized her royalty and privileged life and his sword symbolized her execution should she continue following Christ. It was her moment of truth and even though Santookht knew it meant her martyrdom, she chose the sword, remaining faithful to her Lord and was sentenced to death by her father.
At the time of her martyrdom, St. Santookht was all of eighteen years old and this teenager is known as the first Christian martyr of Armenia. Every year during the summer months, her memory and her faith are celebrated.
So, as we enjoy the summer season, let us ask ourselves:
- Does my faith hold a constant place in my heart and mind?
- In my weekly schedule, do I devote enough time focused on where I want to spend eternity?
Yesterday was the feast of a princess and in her “moment of truth” she chose the Crown of Heaven. May her faith inspire us.
Does my faith hold a constant place in my heart and mind?
Amen.