Feb. 27 Saturday of the First Week of Lent; Optional Memorial St. Gregory of Narek, abbot & doctor of the Church, Opt. Mem.

On February 2, 2021, Pope Francis decreed that St. Gregory of Narek be added to the General Roman Calendar. St Gregory of Narek, Doctor of the Church, Armenian monk, poet, mystical philosopher, theologian, writer and saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Catholic Church was born into a family of writers. Based in the monastery of Narek (Narekavank), he was “Armenia’s first great poet” and as “the watchful angel in human form”.