Saint Gregory of Narek

Saint Gregory of Narek was a monk, priest, and poet. He lived in the 10th century. He was born around the year 950 and died around 1003. He lived in what is now Armenia.

He is also known as Grigor Narekatsi. He spent most of his life in a monastery near Lake Van. This was part of the ancient Armenian kingdom. He lived a quiet life of prayer, study, and writing.

Gregory is best known for a book called The Book of Lamentations. It is also called Narek, named after him. It is a long prayer written in 95 parts. In this book, he speaks to God with deep sorrow and trust. Many people still read and pray with this book today.

Gregory wrote in the Armenian language. He helped shape Armenian Christian thought and prayer. His words have helped people for hundreds of years.

The Armenian Church has honored him as a saint for many centuries. In 2015, Pope Francis named him a Doctor of the Church. This means the Catholic Church sees his writings as important for the faith.

Saint Gregory of Narek is known for his prayers, his poetry, and his love for God. He shows us how to speak to God honestly, even in pain.

Gregory of Narek was born around the year 950 in Armenia. His father was a bishop named Khosrov. His mother died when he was very young. He and his brothers were raised by their father and by monks. Gregory grew up in a faithful and educated family.

When he was a boy, Gregory was sent to the Narek Monastery. This was a well-known place of prayer and study. It was near Lake Van. The head of the monastery was his cousin, Anania. Anania was also his teacher. Gregory lived there for the rest of his life.

Gregory became a monk while he was still young. Later, he also became a priest. He gave his whole life to prayer, study, and writing. He did not travel far. He stayed at the monastery and focused on his work and his faith.

The monks at Narek were known for learning and deep prayer. Gregory followed this way of life. He read the Bible, studied theology, and wrote many prayers and poems. He wanted to grow closer to God and help others do the same.

Gregory of Narek’s most famous book is called The Book of Lamentations. Many people also just call it Narek. It is not a story or a list of teachings. It is one long prayer made up of 95 parts. Gregory called it a “book of prayers for those who are in pain.”

In this book, Gregory speaks to God in a personal way. He admits his sins. He asks for mercy. He talks about sorrow, fear, and weakness. But he also shows trust in God’s love. The prayer moves back and forth between sadness and hope. He speaks to God like a close friend.

The book is written in poetic language. Gregory uses many images and word pictures. Some parts sound like poetry. Other parts sound like crying or pleading. It is not always easy to read, but it is very honest. He does not try to sound perfect. He shows that even someone weak and sinful can speak to God.

The Book of Lamentations became very important in Armenian prayer life. Many people read it when they are sick, sad, or in trouble. It is still used today in both the Armenian Church and the Catholic Church. It helps people pray when they do not know what to say. It teaches that God listens, even when we are broken.

One of the main themes in Gregory’s writing is sorrow for sin. He saw himself as weak and full of faults. In his prayers, he does not hide this. He brings his sins to God and asks for help. He does not pretend to be strong. He shows that it is good to admit our sins to God.

Another strong theme is the mercy of God. Gregory believed that God’s mercy is greater than any sin. Even when he felt lost or afraid, he trusted that God would forgive him. He wrote again and again that God listens and cares. This gave him peace, even when he felt unworthy.

Gregory’s prayers are personal. He speaks to God in his own voice. He does not use fancy words. He talks to God like someone very close. His prayer is not just for others to read. It is the way he lived each day. His writing teaches us how to pray from the heart.

He also writes about union with God. This means being close to God in love and trust. Gregory wanted to be near God always. Even when he felt far away, he never gave up. His writing shows a deep longing to stay with God forever. He teaches that God is near to all who seek Him.

Gregory of Narek was honored as a saint many centuries ago. The Armenian Apostolic Church recognized him as a saint not long after he died. His writings were loved by the Armenian people. His book was used in prayer and worship for many years.

In 2015, Pope Francis named Gregory a Doctor of the Church. This is a special title given to a few saints whose writings help people grow in faith. Gregory was the first Armenian saint to receive this title in the Catholic Church. He is now honored by both the Armenian and Catholic Churches.

His feast day is celebrated on February 27 in the Roman Catholic Church. In the Armenian Church, he is remembered on different days, depending on the year. Gregory is also considered a patron for those who are sick. Many people read his prayers for comfort and healing.

Today, his writings are still used in prayer. Some people read from The Book of Lamentations every day. It is used by the sick, by monks, and by ordinary people. His words are full of pain and hope. They help people speak to God when life is hard. His voice still speaks to the soul.

From the Depths of the Heart: Annotated Translation of the Prayers of St. Gregory of Narek

From the Depths of the Heart is a careful English translation of the prayers of Saint Gregory of Narek by Abraham Terian. The book brings the saint’s famous prayer book to new readers. These prayers were first written in Armenian around the year 1000. They are full of sorrow, hope, and trust in God. This edition helps people today connect with Gregory’s voice in a clear and simple way. The book received an honorable mention from the Catholic Media Association in 2022. It shows how the prayers of this saint can still speak to people now.