The Armenian Church observes three feast days dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator (Krikor Lousavorich) St. Gregory is considered to be the “Apostle of Armenia,” and the patron saint of the Armenian Church. He preached throughout Armenia, built churches, including the great cathedral in Etchmiadzin, established the first canon laws, wrote many prayers, and organized the liturgical services.
The feast of Holy Etchmiadzin commemorates the establishment of the Armenian Church and the eradication of paganism. The cathedral of Etchmiadzin was built by St. Gregory the Illuminator after his deliverance from the pit, to the specifications he saw in a vision and on the place marked by the Lord with a golden hammer.
Today, we celebrate the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Deliverance from the Pit. Over 1,700 years ago, King Trdat threw St. Gregory into a dark pit near Mount Ararat. It was a prison, a place of suffering, meant to break his spirit. St. Gregory endured unimaginable hardship for thirteen long years, but he never lost his faith. He trusted that God had a plan, even in his darkest moments.
This is a powerful story that resonates with each of us because, at some point in our lives, we’ve all found…
Saturday, June 1, is the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s deliverance from the pit Gregory is revered as the patron saint of the Armenian Church. He is recognized and memorialized in both eastern and western hierarchical churches. The Armenian liturgical calendar reserves three feast days in his honor: Entrance into the pit; deliverance from the pit, and discovery of relics.
On Saturday, March 16, 2024, the Armenian Church celebrates one of the three days in its liturgical calendar devoted to St. Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of the Armenian Church. The three days are: Entrance into the Pit; Emergence from the Pit; and Discovery of his remains. ..
