The Doctor of Mercy: The Sacred Treasures of St. Gregory of Narek
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
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.
- Written by St. Gregory of Narek, a Doctor of the Church
- Aims to provide an accessible introduction to Gregory's literary works, theology, and spirituality
- Aims to provide contemporary relevance of his writings to the problems that face the Church and the world today
- Chapter One: The Advent of Christianity in Armenia
- Chapter Two: The Political and Theological Background/li>
- Chapter Three: The Monastery and School of Narek
- Chapter Four: Gregory’s Life and Prose Works
- Chapter Five: A New Song to the Lord: Gregory’s Hymns and Poetry
- Chapter Six: Gregory’s Theology of Sin and Penance
- Chapter Seven: Baptism, Eucharist, and the Virtuous Life
- Chapter Eight: Theosis and the Doctrine of God
- Chapter Nine: Gregory’s Devotion to Mary
- Chapter Ten: From Narek to Rome and Beyond
This is an important book which makes a real contribution to the field of Church history and historical theology, with a depth of research enough for scholars but very accessible so that anyone can read it. I found the book very satisfying and enlightening. Well worth the time of anyone interested in the history of doctrine and spirituality, but the book also demonstrates why the study of Gregory is relevant and worthwhile in our time. I especially appreciated the way the author connects Christological implications to artistic depictions of Christ, demonstrating that all art teaches something about its subject.
Jim L. Papandrea, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
All in all, The Doctor of Mercy is a wonderful introduction to St. Gregory of Narek, his world, and his richly generous and generative spirituality, which is so memorably expressed in his poetry. Papazian is a knowledgeable guide to, and a skillful and insightful expositor of St. Gregory’s works. It is to be hoped that his excellent book will inspire readers to immerse themselves further in the ‘sacred treasures’ of the great Armenian Doctor, many of which are available in English translations.
Catholic Library World
In The Doctor of Mercy, Papazian makes a distinctive contribution by providing the most comprehensive introduction to St. Gregory of Narek, a medieval mystic who experienced and expressed a reality not easily comprehended. The book touches upon everything conceivable about the Saint and his works and does so in an appealingly clear fashion. Papazian acts as a guide who takes the reader on a tour to meet the Saint in his time and place, explaining all along the things encountered on the way and those to be expected upon arrival. Then comes the embrace.
Abraham Terian, Emeritus Professor of Armenian Theology and Patristics, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary