St Gregory of Narek was also known as Grigor Narekatsi. He was an Armenian mystical and lyrical poet, monk, and theologian.
He was born between 945 AD and 951 AD in Andzevatsik, Kingdom of Vaspurakan, Armenia (now in modern-day Turkey).
He died and was buried in 1005 AD at the monastery of Narek, on the southern shores of Lake Van, Armenia and a chapel was built on his tomb.
The monastery and chapel were destroyed by Turkish authorities in the mid-20th century, and a mosque was built over the site.
We celebrate his Feast Day on February 27 every year in the Catholic Church.
| St Gregory of Narek Biography | |
|---|---|
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| Date of Birth | 950 AD |
| Country of Birth | Turkey in Europe |
| Place of Work | Turkey |
| Date of Death | 1005 AD |
| Place of Death | Armenia, Turkey |
| Feast Day | February 27 |
| Canonization | Pre-Congregation |
| Patron Saint of | |
Saint Gregory of Narek Biography
Saint Gregory of Narek was the son of Bishop Khosrov Andzevatsi who was descended from a line of scholars and churchmen and was educated by his father and Anania Vartabed, abbess of Narek monastery.
He and both his brothers became monks while young. Gregory excelled in music, astronomy, geometry, mathematics, literature, and theology. He was ordained a priest in 977 AD in his mid-20’s.
He lived most of his life in the Narek monastery where for his entire adult life he taught theology in the monastic school.
His writings began with a commentary on the Song of Songs, which was commissioned by an Armenian prince but continued throughout his life with letters, poems, hymns, music, and essays.
Many of his prayers are included in the Divine Liturgy celebrated each Sunday in Armenian Churches around the world.
His masterpiece is considered to be his Book of Lamentations which has a theme of man’s separation from God and his quest to reunite with Him.
It has been translated into at least 30 languages. He is one of the greatest figures of medieval Armenian religious thought and literature and has been declared a Doctor of the Universal Church.
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