September 30: Saint Gregory the Illuminator of Armenia is celebratedtranslated

Today, September 30, our Holy Orthodox Church honors the memory of Hieromartyr Gregory, Illuminator of Greater Armenia. Hieromartyr Gregory was the son of a relative of the king of Armenia and lived during the time of the pagan emperor Diocletian. He was indoctrinated into the Orthodox Christian faith and then embraced it by receiving Holy Baptism in Caesarea, Cappadocia. With spiritual maturity he entered the holy priesthood with humility and love for God and man. He was ordained an elder and then went to Armenia to spread the holy Gospel with zeal.

In Armenia his relative lord tried to persuade him to sacrifice to idols and return to the original religion. Gregory's negative attitude, as expected, angered the pagan ruler, who insulted and tortured him. Despite the sufferings he suffered, he remained steadfast in his faith in Christ the Savior and the orthodox way of thinking.

After many miraculous events, the pagan lord repented of his past life and asked for God's grace. After being catechized, he was baptized in the name of the holy Triune God and received the Immaculate Conception...