The Feast of Saint Vartan is observed in Armenia on February 12, commemorating the Armenian military leader and martyr, Saint Vartan Mamikonian. This feast occurs on the Thursday that falls on the eighth week before Easter. It honors the heroes of Armenia, particularly those who fought in the Battle of Avarayr in 451, where Vartan led the Armenian army against the Sasanian Empire's attempts to convert Armenia to Zoroastrianism. Despite initial successes, Vartan was ultimately slain along with eight of his top officers. The day serves as a national tribute to the unity of the Armenian people in difficult times and acknowledges their struggle for religious and national identity. Major Christian Armenian churches are named after Saint Vartan, and the Armenian Apostolic Church consecrated him as a saint.