Gregory the Illuminator

Gregory the Illuminator, revered as the founder and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, played a pivotal role in transforming Armenia into the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion. His journey began in the early fourth century when he converted the country from Zoroastrianism, a significant milestone traditionally dated to three hundred and one AD.

Born in two hundred fifty-two, Gregory was the son of a Parthian nobleman named Anak, who was responsible for the assassination of the Arsacid king of Armenia, Khosrov II. To escape the fate that befell his family, Gregory was raised as a Christian in Caesarea of Cappadocia, then part of the Roman Empire. Upon returning to Armenia as an adult, he entered the service of King Tiridates III, who subjected him to torture for refusing to sacrifice to a pagan goddess.

After enduring fourteen years in the depths of a pit known as Khor Virap, Gregory was miraculously saved with the assistance of Tiridates' sister, Khosrovidukht. This pivotal moment led to the conversion of King Tiridates to Christianity, marking a historic shift for Armenia. Following this, Gregory healed the king, who had been driven mad by his sins, and began preaching Christianity throughout the land, dismantling pagan temples and erecting churches in their stead.

Eventually, Gregory chose to relinquish his role as patriarch to embrace a life of solitude as a hermit. His legacy continued through his son, Aristaces, who succeeded him. The descendants of Gregory, known as the Gregorids, maintained the patriarchal office with some interruptions until the fifth century. In honor of Gregory, the Armenian Church is often referred to as lusavorchakan, meaning 'of the Illuminator' or Gregorian.