Saint Mamikonian was born to a noble family whose members inherited the role of Ministry of Defense, just as the son of the King becomes king. In 451 AD, Vardan Mamikonian led an Armenian army in battle against an overwhelming Persian army. The Persian army sought Armenian conversion and lands. Over the following 30 years, with guerilla tactics throughout the mountainous countryside, Armenians won freedom of religious worship. Because of his efforts Mamikonian was made a saint in the Armenian Church. In this repoussé an angel is putting a wreath on Mamikonian’s head indicating his hereditary position and sainthood. A painting by an Armenian artist named Khandjian inspired this piece.
