COMMEMORATION OF STS. VOSKIANS PRIESTS

Sts. Voskians were five ambassadors sent by the Roman Emperor to the Armenian King Sanatruk in the 1st century. During their time in Armenia, they encountered St. Bartholomew the Apostle and, inspired by his preaching, were baptized and converted to Christianity.

One of them, Khrussi (whose name in Armenian means “Voski pronounced Vosgi” or “Gold”), was ordained into the holy order of priesthood.

Following the martyrdom of St. Bartholomew, the Voskians retreated to the Tsaghkavet Mountains in the Tsaghkotn province, where they lived an ascetic life for 40 years. However, a divine message led them to the royal court of King Artashes and Queen Satenik, where they preached Christianity. Though the king did not convert, some members of the royal household, including 12 servants from the queen’s homeland (Alans’ country), accepted the faith. They were baptized in the Euphrates River and then left with the Voskians to continue their spiritual journey.

Sts. Voskians are among the first martyrs and hermits of the Armenian Apostolic Church, inspiring generations with their unwavering faith and devotion.