Saint Shushanik: The Martyr Queen of Armenia and Georgia

Saint Shushanik (diminutive of the name Shushan – Susanna; Armenian: Շուշանիկ, Georgian: შუშანიკი, c. 440 – 475) was the daughter of the sparapet (military leader) of Armenia, Vardan Mamikonyan, and the wife of Varsken, the pitiakhsh (ruler) of Southern Kartli. She is revered as a martyr by both the Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic Churches, known as Susanna Ranskaya or Susanna of Georgia.

The Life of Saint Shushanik

The primary source of information about Shushanik’s life is “The Martyrdom of the Holy Queen Shushanik,” the first monument of Georgian literature, compiled by her confessor Yakov Tsurtaveli, who was a direct eyewitness to the events.

In 466, Shushanik’s husband, Varsken, opposed the unification policy of King Vakhtang Gorsagal and went to Persia to seek support from Shah Peroz. To secure an alliance with the Shah, Varsken entered into a new marriage with the Shah’s daughter, renounced Christianity, accepted Zoroastrianism, and promised to convert his first wife and children to the new faith.

Upon his return, Varsken learned that Saint Shushanik, who had been informed of her husband’s decision by messengers, had not left her cell for three days, praying incessantly for the salvation of her children’s souls. The angry ruler first tried to persuade her, and then by force, to return to the palace. Shushanik agreed to leave her cell, succumbing to the persuasion of her relatives and not wanting to cause bloodshed.

Saint Shushanik’s Martyrdom

Two days later, Varsken arranged a feast, during which he, with the help of relatives, tried to convince Shushanik to renounce her faith. When she refused, he brutally beat her, shackled her, and locked her up in one of the palace rooms. Priests secretly brought her water and food.

During Lent, when Varsken went on a campaign against the Huns, Shushanik was released from captivity and settled in a cell near the church in complete darkness. Upon Varsken’s return from the war, he learned of her continued commitment to Christianity. In a fit of rage, he dragged her along specially thrown thorns from the church to the palace and subjected her to brutal torture. Failing to make her renounce her faith, Varsken ordered her to be locked up in prison forever.

During her six years in prison, Shushanik, exhausted by torture, shackles, and standing on her feet, became a “spiritual singer,” as described by the hagiographer. People came to her from all over Kartli, and each received what they asked for through her prayers. Yakov Tsurtaveli mentions numerous miracles performed by Shushanik during her lifetime.

Saint Shushanik’s Death and Legacy

On the seventh day of imprisonment, Shushanik fell seriously ill and died on the day of Saints Cosmas and Damian (October 17). Her relics were taken out of the fortress with great honors and buried near the church. The exact date of her martyrdom is not universally agreed upon, but the year 475 is reconstructed based on indirect information.

The life of Shushanik, written by Yakov Tsurtaveli, was created between 476-483, as it does not mention the execution of Varsken by King Vakhtang Gorgasali in 483, which would have been a logical conclusion to the story. The text is known in several editions, including eight long and one short edition from the 17th-19th centuries, as well as in the Armenian version.

Conclusion

Saint Shushanik’s story is a powerful testament to her unwavering faith and resilience in the face of persecution. Her legacy as a martyr is honored by both the Georgian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic Churches, and her life continues to inspire devotion and reverence among the faithful. The account of her martyrdom, as recorded by Yakov Tsurtaveli, remains a significant monument of Georgian literature and a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of faith.

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