A portrait of St. Gregory of Narek
St. Gregory of Narek
c. 951 – 1003
Feast
February 27 · XI c.
Patron of
Armenian Christians · Poets · Theologians · Writers
Order
Monk / Doctor of the Church / Poet
Armenian monk, poet, and theologian (c. 951-1003), of the monastery of Narek; author of the "Book of Lamentations" (Narek), a cycle of 95 prayers in literary Armenian that is the most widely-printed Armenian book after the Bible. Declared Doctor of the Church by Francis in 2015 - the only Armenian and only saint formally outside the Roman communion to receive the title.
Life & Times
Born: c. 951 · Died: 1003 · From: Armenia.
Patronage
St. Gregory of Narek is invoked as the patron of armenian christians, poets, theologians, writers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I, like David, sing the song of reconciliation in your house.”— Book of Lamentations (Matean Voghbergutyan), Prayer 1 (c. 1002)
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Gregory of Narek, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.