Patron Saint of Armenia

Category: Countries & Regions

In Catholic tradition, patron saints are holy men and women whose lives and intercession are considered especially suited to particular needs, groups, or situations. The Church's practice of invoking saints reflects the doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the faithful departed remain united with the living in the one Body of Christ and can intercede before God on our behalf.

The designation of a patron saint for "Armenia" reflects centuries of Catholic popular devotion and, in many cases, formal proclamations by popes or bishops recognizing a saint's particular connection to this intention through the circumstances of their life, death, or documented miracles.

Patron Saints of Armenia

Formally proclaimed patronage — sourced from canonized saints in the Roman Calendar.

Primary Patron
Saint Gregory of Narek

Feast Day
February 27

Saint Gregory of Narek is invoked as patron of Armenia. Gregory of Narek (Grigor Narekatsi) was born about 950 in the province of Vaspurakan in the Armenian kingdom, near the southeastern shore of Lake Van. The son of Khosrov Andzevatsi, an Armenian bishop and theologian, after his mother's early death he was raised at the monastery of Narek, founded by his uncle Anania of Narek about 935.He spent his entire adult life at Narek, where he was ordained a priest about 977, taught at the monastic school, and composed his major works. Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2015/documents/papa-francesco_20150412_messaggio-armeni.html.

Read full biography of Saint Gregory of Narek →

Saint Bartholomew

Feast Day
August 24

Saint Bartholomew is invoked as patron of Armenia. Saint Bartholomew is named in all four Synoptic apostolic lists (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13) but never appears with this name in the Gospel of John. The Synoptic lists pair him consistently with Saint Philip; in John, Philip is paired with Nathanael of Cana of Galilee (John 1:45-51, 21:2). Sources: https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20061004.html.

Read full biography of Saint Bartholomew →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the patron saint of armenia?

Saint Gregory of Narek is the primary patron saint of armenia. Their feast day is February 27.

What is a patron saint?

A patron saint is a holy man or woman canonized by the Church whose life and heavenly intercession are considered especially powerful for particular needs, groups, or situations. Catholics ask patron saints to intercede — to pray to God on their behalf — drawing on the doctrine of the Communion of Saints.

How do I ask for Gregory of Narek's intercession?

To ask for a patron saint's intercession, Catholics typically pray directly to the saint, saying something like: "Gregory of Narek, pray for us." You may also light a candle, attend Mass on their feast day, or make a novena — nine days of consecutive prayer — asking for their help before a particular need.