In 2015, Pope Francis declared Saint Gregory of Narek a Doctor of the Church.
First, what is a “Doctor of the Church”?
“Doctor of the Church” is a title the Church gives to holy men and women who particularly contributed to the Church’s learning in some way.
Now, unless you follow the inner-workings of the Congregation for the Cause of Saints closely, you probably didn’t know they had even proposed Saint Gregory of Narek as a new doctor. And unless you are an Armenian Christian, you probably don’t know who Saint Gregory of Narek is.
So, here are seven things to know about Saint Gregory of Narek:
1) Saint Gregory lived A.D. 951 – 1003.
Born in Armenia, he was the son of a priest (remember, Eastern Churches have married priests). His mother died when he was young. His mother’s uncle, Anania of Narek, founder of their local monastery and school, took care of his education, and his father was made a bishop.
2) Saint Gregory of Narek was a priest-monk.
He entered a nearby monastery, Narekavank, at a young age. At the age of 25, he was ordained a priest.
Narekavank, his monastery, was the most prominent medieval school in Armenia. It lasted until 1915, when it was abandoned during the Armenian Genocide. It was demolished around 1951, and a mosque replaced it.
3) Saint Gregory of Narek composed in a wide-range of styles.
His works include theological treatises, chants, melodies, letters, and prayers.
4) Saint Gregory of Narek's most famous work is the Book of Lamentations.
Also known simply as Narek (from his name), the work is comprised of 95 prayers, each entitled, “Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart.” Completed just before his death, it is considered to be one of the greatest works of Armenian literature.
You can read the work online for free.
5) Saint Gregory of Narek's prayers are still used today in the Armenian Divine Liturgy.
His prayers are recited daily in Armenian liturgies worldwide. For example, after ascending to the altar, the priest silently recites a prayer from Prayer 33 of his Book of Lamentations:
“We beseech you with outstretched arms, with tears and sobbing prayers. Appearing before you, judge who strikes terror in our hearts, we approach with great trembling and grave fear, presenting first this sacrificial offering of words to your power that is beyond understanding.”
6) Saint Gregory of Narek is known as “the watchful angel in human form.”
Many miracles are associated with his intercession. So, not only start reading his works, but start asking for his prayers!
7) Saint Gregory of Narek's memorial is February 27.
He is venerated in the Catholic Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Oriental Orthodox Church. In the Catholic Church, his feast is celebrated on Feb. 27.