Ashot Petrossyan: St. Grigor Naregatsi · History of Aparank Holy Cross - Produced by the Naregatsi Art Institute

Ashot Petrossyan’s book “St. Gregory of Narek, “The history of the Aparank Holy Cross” contain s some passages transferred to modern Armenian and original parts of Grigor Narekatsi’s work “The history of the Aparank Holy Cross”. The book encloses interpretations of Narekatsi’s work made by other authors, as well as excerpts of the study on Van-Vaspurakan monasteries.

Gregory of Narek, a 10th century Armenian theologian, poet, musician and mystical philosopher was born in the village of Narek in Vaspurakan province of Great Armenia, to a family of scholar and clergyman Khosrov Andzevatsi. He lost his mother at an early age. His father enrolled him at the monastery of Narek under the guidance of the abbot Anania of Narek, a philosopher. Here Gregory acquired comprehensive knowledge and was ordained a monk. He dedicated the rest of his life to Narekavank. There are many legends about Narekatsi describing him as a virtuous and humble clergyman, great humanist and theologian. They tell of the miraculous power of his words and prayers, calling him "Divine Vardapet" and the ''Chrysostom (golden mouth) of all Chrysostoms''. St. Gregory of Narek passed away almost immediately after finishing his "Book of Lamentations" in 1003, and was buried in the monastery of Narek. His tomb has been a shrine and a place of pilgrimage for centuries.