The Final Days Begin
On the morning of June 1, 1915, Archbishop Ignatius Maloyan knew what was coming. The Armenian Genocide had begun, and he had already witnessed the arrests of priests and community leaders throughout the Ottoman Empire. He met with his colleague Archbishop Tappouni and handed him a letter.
"Keep this testament on you," he said. When Tappouni tried to offer comfort, Maloyan replied: "I know for sure that I and my congregation will be condemned to torture and death. It is unavoidable. Pray for me."
Shepherding Through the Desert
Within days, he was arrested along with thirteen priests and six hundred Armenian Christians from Mardin. They were gathered together and led by soldiers into the desert. The archbishop knew many would not survive the journey.
During those terrible days of marching, Maloyan did what shepherds do: he cared for his flock. He celebrated his final Mass using scraps of bread. He prayed with the dying. He encouraged the fearful.
Refusing Conversion Until Death
On June 10, 1915, the soldiers slaughtered the Christian prisoners before his eyes. Then a commanding officer approached the archbishop one final time: "Convert to Islam and you will be spared."
"I have told you already," Maloyan replied, "that I live and shall die for my faith and for my fatherland. I am astonished at your proposition. Shedding my blood for Jesus Christ is the wish and desire of my heart."
He was shot where he stood.
A Saint's Final Victory
Eyewitnesses testified that even after being shot, Maloyan continued praying, asking God's mercy on his persecutors. On October 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed him a saint—110 years after his martyrdom.
