Biography
Hripsime
About Hripsime
Hripsime is remembered among the earliest martyrs in Armenian Christian tradition. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin places her within a community of women led by Gayane. Their account says the group traveled east and settled near Vagharshapat after fleeing persecution. It rests on a narrative attributed to the fifth-century writer Agathangelos.
According to that tradition, King Trdat sought to marry Hripsime. Her refusal led to the killing of her and other women in 301. The separate martyrdom of Gayane and companions is part of the same received story. These episodes should be read as the church’s inherited account, not as independently established court records.
The Armenian church links the places of their burial with early chapels and later stone churches. The Armenian calendar commemorates her with her companions.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.