St Gregory of Narek, Commemoration 27th February
Saint Gregory of Narek was a 10th-century Armenian monk, poet and also composer. Among his writings are a spiritual interpretation of the Old Testament book the Song of Songs, and an extended poem called the “Book of Lamentations”. Venerated particularly by Armenian Christians, among whom he has long been regarded as a theologian of great importance, Pope Francis decided in 2015 to make St Gregory a Doctor of the Church, after which he was inserted into the general calendar of the Roman Rite. In this he shares with our own St John Henry recent recognition as a theologian of universal significance and eminent doctrine now honoured annually in the Sacred Liturgy. In the Latin collect approved for his feast St Gregory is fittingly described as the “the teacher and the glory of the Armenian people”.
Click here to read a General Audience of 2023 in which Pope Francis explained the importance of St Gregory of Narek as a wonderful example of contemplative spirituality.