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The Doctor of Mercy: The Sacred Treasures of St. Gregory of Narek
2020 Catholic Press Association second place award in theology--history of theology, church fathers and mothers
In April 2015, Pope Francis named the Armenian poet and theologian St. Gregory of Narek (c. 945–1003) a Doctor of the Church. Though venerated for centuries by Catholic and Orthodox Armenians, Gregory is an obscure figure virtually unknown to the rest of the Church. Adding to the extraordinary nature of the pope’s declaration, Gregory has the distinction of being the only Catholic Doctor who lived his entire life outside the visible communion of the Catholic Church. The Doctor of Mercy aims to provide an accessible introduction to Gregory’s literary works, theology, and spirituality, as well as to make the case for the contemporary relevance of his writings to the problems that face the Church and the world today.
In April 2015, Pope Francis named the Armenian poet and theologian St. Gregory of Narek (c. 945–1003) a Doctor of the Church. Though venerated for centuries by Catholic and Orthodox Armenians, Gregory is an obscure figure virtually unknown to the rest of the Church. Adding to the extraordinary nature of the pope’s declaration, Gregory has the distinction of being the only Catholic Doctor who lived his entire life outside the visible communion of the Catholic Church. The Doctor of Mercy aims to provide an accessible introduction to Gregory’s literary works, theology, and spirituality, as well as to make the case for the contemporary relevance of his writings to the problems that face the Church and the world today.
278 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 5, 2021
Gregory of Narek, an Armenian Orthodox priest, died in 1003; his prayers known in English as the Lamentations of Narek remain in publication through these ten centuries. Michael Papazian places the prayers and other writings of Gregory of Narek in their historical and theological context. His perspective on Saint Gregory is that of one with intimate knowledge of subject and cause. Papazian’s study offers insight into the spiritual bounty left by the Armenian saint and into the history of Armenia, an area neglected by many in the West.
Papazian’s analysis shows the structure of the Lamentations as three distinct groups of prayers that move toward spiritual maturity. As such, the prayers are a type of architecture of the soul. Papazian’s analysis, however, is not limited to the Lamentations; he also discusses Narek’s commentary on the Song of Songs and other writings. In all of this, we gain a beneficial connection between the 11th century and contemporary life. Here is a holistic understanding of Christian discipleship that blends concerns for the larger community of faith with the individual’s spiritual journey.
Papazian also offers a brief discussion of the April 2015 declaration by Pope Francis of Saint Gregory as Doctor of the Church, a designation reserved for those who have made a significant contribution to theology or doctrine. More familiar Doctors of the Church are Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Hildegard of Bingen, and Teresa of Avila. Gregory of Narek is the 36th person so designated in the history of the church.
I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from this relevant work, confessing that I penciled in my own index on the inside back cover.
Papazian’s analysis shows the structure of the Lamentations as three distinct groups of prayers that move toward spiritual maturity. As such, the prayers are a type of architecture of the soul. Papazian’s analysis, however, is not limited to the Lamentations; he also discusses Narek’s commentary on the Song of Songs and other writings. In all of this, we gain a beneficial connection between the 11th century and contemporary life. Here is a holistic understanding of Christian discipleship that blends concerns for the larger community of faith with the individual’s spiritual journey.
Papazian also offers a brief discussion of the April 2015 declaration by Pope Francis of Saint Gregory as Doctor of the Church, a designation reserved for those who have made a significant contribution to theology or doctrine. More familiar Doctors of the Church are Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Hildegard of Bingen, and Teresa of Avila. Gregory of Narek is the 36th person so designated in the history of the church.
I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from this relevant work, confessing that I penciled in my own index on the inside back cover.
September 13, 2025
“Thus, the book is itself a poetic sacrament that Gregory offers to God to be consecrated and distributed among the faithful for their spiritual sustenance.”
Author does a wonderful job at presenting to the reader the hollowed words of this saint in a comprehensive and heart-warming manner which provokes deep meditation. I loved it!
Author does a wonderful job at presenting to the reader the hollowed words of this saint in a comprehensive and heart-warming manner which provokes deep meditation. I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews