Divine Office

February 27

Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

Commemoration

Saint Gregory of Narek (c. 951–1003) was a monk and priest from Armenia, the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion. He spent his entire adult life in a monastery, devoted to prayer, teaching, and writing.

Saint Gregory’s most enduring legacy is The Book of Lamentations (also called The Book of Narek), a collection of ninety-five prayers that open with the cry of a soul speaking to God “from the depths of the heart.” These prayers reveal a man profoundly aware of human sin and weakness, yet unwavering in his confidence in God’s mercy. They are not prayers of despair, but of hope—hope born from humility, repentance, and love.

From a young age, Saint Gregory had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he saw as his true spiritual mother. His writings reflect the Eastern Christian tradition, which teaches the faith through prayer, poetry, and song rather than arguments.

For centuries, especially during times of suffering and persecution, the Armenian people prayed Saint Gregory’s words daily. His prayers became a source of comfort and strength for an entire nation.

In 2015, Pope Francis declared Saint Gregory of Narek a Doctor of the Church, and in 2021 he was added to the Roman liturgical calendar. Today, his prayers are offered to the whole Church as an invitation to humility, repentance, and trust in God’s mercy.

Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this Saint as you worship Christ.