Born in modern-day Iran in the tenth century, to a family of nobles, St. Gregory of Narek was a literary genius and a lover of Mary. His devotion to our Blessed Mother helped him reach high levels of sanctity and mystical experiences. At a young age, he entered the monastery of Narek, where he became a priest and an abbot. He would remain there for the rest of his life. Two years before his death in 1005 he wrote The Book of Lamentations which had a major impact on Armenian literature.

Even though a lack of English translation kept his work virtually unknown to Western audiences, the Catholic Church declared him a Doctor of the Church in 2015 and added him to the general calendar in 2021. 2015 also happened to be the 100th anniversary of the start of the Armenian genocide, so it was likely no coincidence that Pope Francis recognized St. Gregory at this time.

February 27th is the optional memorial of St. Gregory of Narek.

Early Life and Ministry

Gregory was born around 950 AD in in the region of Anzevatsik in Armenia (Which is now on the border of Turkey and Iran). His uncle was the abbot of the Monastery of Narek. Young Gregory entered this famous school, was ordained there, and eventually followed in his uncle's footsteps when he was named abbot.

Legacy

Gregory's masterwork, The Book of Lamentations had a tremendous impact on Armenian literature. Each chapter is a prayer of it's own. In these prayers, Gregory praises the Lord while also grappling with existential and metaphysical conflicts surrounding the outpouring of God's divine grace. Translation issues have kept it virtually hidden from the West, however he still is a Doctor of the Church and declared to be in the halls of heaven, with our savior and Mary, whom he so graciously promoted to the world.

Reflection/Prayer

Prepare the earth for the day of light and let the soil bloom and bring forth fruit, heavenly cup of life-giving blood, ever sacrificed, never running dry all for the salvation and life of the souls in eternal rest. And though my body die in sin, with Your grace and compassion, may I be strengthened in You, cleansed of sin through You, and renewed by You with life everlasting, and at the resurrection of the righteous be deemed worthy of Your Father’s blessing. To Him together with You, all glory, and with the Holy Spirit, praise and resounding thanks, now, always and forever, Amen.

- Reflection from Saints and Feasts of the Liturgical Year
Image Credit: St.Gregory Of Narek Portrait By Hovhannes Asatryan SutiComposer - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0