The ceremony marking Saint Sarkis Day was held on January 31, 2026, at Saint Sarkis Cathedral, an Armenian church, in the Iranian capital Tehran. Saint Sarkis Cathedral is the largest church in Tehran, which is located on Karimkhan Zand St.

Saint Sarkis is an important Armenian figure who lived in the fourth century AD. He was considered one of the commanders of the Roman army; however, due to his Christian faith, he fled Rome and took refuge in Armenia, from where he was also expelled upon the Roman emperor’s order.

He eventually came to Sassanid Iran and joined the Sassanian army, performing successfully in the war against the Kushans. However, he was later accused of preaching Christianity and was killed along with his son.