GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR

GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR, missionary, Bishop of Armenia, St. (ca. 240–332). According to his Life by Agathangelos, Gregory was a native of Armenia, though not of Armenian background. He converted to Christianity at Caesarea in Cappadocia (qq.v.) and, on returning to his native land, survived the tortures inflicted on him by King Trdat (ca. 238–314) and won the king and his court to the faith around 314. He was consecrated bishop (or “catholicos,” as it is called in the Armenian and Georgian Churches) and the office remained in his family for some generations. From Armenia he is also credited with beginning the mission to Georgia. No writings definitively ascribed to him have survived.