Prayer to Saint Gregory The Illuminator

Saint Gregory the Illuminator is the patron saint and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He is best known for leading the religious conversion of Armenia from paganism to Christianity. The name "Illuminator" highlights the dual function that Saint Gregory played in the history of Armenia's conversion — a beacon of Christian faith and steward of culture through teaching.

A Parthian prince who fled the Persian invasion, Saint Gregory was educated in what is now Turkey. He returned to Armenia in the middle of the Christian persecution only to be imprisoned in Khor Virap, otherwise known as the "pit of oblivion" — a place from where few returned. 13 years later in 301 AD, Saint Gregory was freed and began his mission to convert Armenia from paganism to Christianity. Churches and monasteries sprang up everywhere, including at the Khor Virap, his home for so long, which was eventually converted into a monastery. The Armenian aristocracy quickly followed many noble families, including royalty, converted to Christianity.

In 302 Saint Gregory was installed as patriarchal bishop of Armenia, during which time he initiated an ecclesiastical dynasty, where the position of senior bishop would remain in the family, a title to be passed down through his sons. He chose to spend his last years in solitude in the cave of Mane contemplating holy wisdom.

SAINT Candles are made from food grade wax with a soy coconut blend. Each candle comes with a prayer to the patron saint, holy oil as part of the wax, and a prayer coin embedded into the candle.