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Ordinary Time
Fast of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Monday – Saturday (week before the feast; varies by year)
Armenian Apostolic
A five-day fast honoring St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of Armenia, who is credited with converting the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion.
Gregory had been imprisoned in a pit (the Khor Virap, "Deep Well") for 15 years before being released to heal the king. It usually falls on or around Monday – Saturday (week before the feast; varies by year).
It is especially important in Armenian Apostolic traditions. Browse Christian holidays — browse options on Eden.
At a glance
- Type
- observance
- Date type
- Semi-fixed
- Regions
- Armenia
- Themes
- Penitence & Fasting, Church History, Saints & Martyrs
- Liturgical colour
- N/A
Common questions
Fast of St. Gregory the Illuminator is observed on Monday – Saturday (week before the feast; varies by year). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
A five-day fast honoring St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Catholicos of Armenia, who is credited with converting the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity in 301 AD, making Armenia the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Gregory had been imprisoned in a pit (the Khor Virap, "Deep Well") for 15 years before being released to heal the king. The Feast of St. Gregory in
It is associated with Armenian Apostolic. It falls in the Ordinary Time season of the liturgical year.