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St. Gregory the Illuminator
Icon: G.dallorto · CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
Saint

St. Gregory the Illuminator

c. 257–331 · Vagharshapat, Armenia · Feast September 30

Gregory was raised a Christian in Caesarea and came to serve King Tiridates of Armenia, who threw him into a deep pit at Khor Virap when he would not worship the goddess Anahit. He survived there thirteen years, fed by a widow. When the king fell into madness, Gregory was brought out, healed him, and baptized him and his court around 301. Armenia became the first Christian kingdom.

  • Feast: September 30 (New Calendar)
  • Lived: c. 257–331
  • Place: Vagharshapat, Armenia
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