Memory 31st of May
Holy Martyrs, the Brothers Davit and Tarichan (†693)
The holy martyrs Davit and Tarichan were born into a devout Christian family. Their father, Vardan, passed away when they were young, leaving their pagan uncle, Theodosius, to seize their family’s possessions. Fearing that the brothers would claim their rightful inheritance, Theodosius attempted to convert them to his own beliefs. However, their mother, Tagine, staunchly defended their faith and refused to let her brother’s intentions succeed. Undeterred, Theodosius turned his attention to directly converting the nephews, tempting them with material possessions and claiming them as his own sons. However, the brothers remained steadfast in their devotion to their father’s faith and expressed their willingness to endure any suffering for their love of God. Realizing he could not sway them without facing consequences from the Christian community, Theodosius plotted to murder them in secret. Sensing the danger, Tagine fled with her sons to Tao in the south. Theodosius learned of their whereabouts and ordered an ambush, but the brothers, aware of the impending attack, were prepared. Davit joyfully approached his uncle, only to be fatally stabbed before they could embrace. However, his staff miraculously transformed into a large tree upon falling to the ground. Tarichan, witnessing his brother’s murder, attempted to seek help but was caught and killed by their pursuers. When the soldiers returned to Theodosius, they discovered that he had been struck blind, a divine punishment for his actions. Overwhelmed by this miracle, Theodosius was moved to repentance, seeking forgiveness and expressing his newfound faith. Tagine initially raged against her brother, grieving for her sons, but upon witnessing Theodosius’ repentance, she forgave him. She anointed his eyes with the earth stained by Davit’s blood, and his sight was miraculously restored. In the year 693, Theodosius repented before the catholicos, was baptized into the Christian Faith, and erected a church in honor of his nephew, St. Davit. The mayor of Divri built a church over St. Tarichan’s holy relics. Tagine began a new life in the village of Tadzarani and later passed away there. The bodies of the martyrs were illuminated with radiant light each evening as a testament to their sanctity. Let us pray to the honorable martyrs, Saints Davit and Tarichan, to intercede for our souls before Christ, the One who has crowned them with glory.
