Bishop
Saint Gregory, Bishop of Great Armenia, was born to noble parents, but in unbelief. His father Anak, a Parthian, killed the Armenian king Karsar, which led to the extermination of his lineage. Gregory, saved from death, was raised in Rome, where he accepted Christianity and became a good servant of the Lord. After returning to Armenia, he became a servant of King Tiridates, who, upon learning of his Christian faith, subjected him to cruel tortures for refusing to offer sacrifices to idols. Gregory steadfastly endured suffering, glorifying Christ, and was thrown into a deep pit, where he spent fourteen years, remaining unharmed by Divine Providence.
After this, by God's will, he was brought out of the pit and began to heal King Tiridates, who had fallen into madness after the execution of thirty-seven virgins, including Saint Ripsimia. Gregory, calling for repentance, converted the king and all the people to Christ, destroying idol temples and building churches. He was ordained as a bishop and continued to preach, converting many people to the faith, including Persians and Assyrians. Saint Gregory completed his life in the desert, pleasing God, leaving behind a legacy of faith and virtue in Armenia.
