Gregory of Tatev Գրիգոր Տաթևացի | |
|---|---|
 Grigor Tatevatsi (from a 15th-century Armenian manuscript) | |
| Born | 1346 Tmkaberd (now inGeorgia) |
| Died | 1409 or 1410 |
| Venerated in | Armenian Apostolic Church |
Gregory of Tatev, orGrigor Tatevatsi (Armenian:Գրիգոր Տաթևացի) (1346–1409 or 1410) was anArmenianphilosopher,theologian and a saint in theArmenian Apostolic Church.
Gregory was born inTmkaberd inGeorgia orVayots Dzor inSiunik. He was educated at the monasteries ofTatev and Metzop.[1]
Gregory was a faithfulMiaphysite, at a time when the Armenian church was building relations with theDyophysiteRoman Catholic Church. He wrote against uniting the Armenian church with Rome.[2]
In addition to his opposition to the union with the Roman Catholic Church, Gregory of Tatev also wrote extensively againstIslam, as well as againstJudaism and various heresies. In his major theological work, the Book of Questions (Girk’ Harc’mants, completed in 1397), Gregory critiques Islamic doctrines, defending the core principles of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He also composed a separate treatise against the Tajiks (a medievalArmenian term forMuslims), in which he polemically opposes core Islamic teachings, particularly on prophecy andholy war (jihad).[3]Gregory’s works provide an important historical source for understanding medieval Armenian-Christian perspectives on Islam and interfaith dialogue. His arguments were grounded in scripture, patristic tradition, and logic, and reflect the broader theological resistance of theArmenian Church against external religious pressures.
Gregory also authored:Voskeparik (“Golden Belly”) – a condensed version of the Book of Questions intended for lay readers.Karozgirk’ (“Book of Sermons”) – a compilation of 344 sermons divided into winter and summer volumes, completed in 1407.Commentaries on the Wisdom Books of Solomon (Proverbs,Ecclesiastes,Wisdom of Solomon, andSong of Songs), presented in a question-and-answer format. These were translated into English in modern times.[4]
In 1397, during perpetual invasions by theTimurids, he completed theBook of Questions, a basic and comprehensive theological outline.[2]
A monument to Tatevatsi was unveiled on October 16, 2010 inGoris, Armenia.[5][6]
