Gregory the Illuminator
patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church (c.257–c.331)
b. 252 · d. 329
12th Catholicos of All Armenians · 302–?
Offices
- Catholicos of All Armenians № 12 · 302 – ?
Gregory the Illuminator was the founder and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He converted Armenia from Zoroastrianism to Christianity in the early fourth century, making Armenia the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. He is venerated as a saint in the Armenian Apostolic Church and in some other churches.
Related people
- Anak the Parthian child of · traditional
- Vrtanes I parent of · traditional
- Aristaces I parent of · traditional
- Ashkhen teacher of · traditional
- Julitta of Armenia spouse of · traditional
- Aristaces I preceded · traditional
Events
Commemorated
Places
- Armenia birth
- Caesarea in Cappadocia residence
- Artaxata imprisonment
- Vagharshapat ministry
How we know
Recorded as a historical figure.
- History of the Armenians 2 claims — History of the Armenians; Conversion of Armenia
- Oriens Christianus in quatuor Patriarchatus digestus 1 claim — Oriens Christianus I, coll. 1371-1372 — Catholici Armeniae Majoris, no. I