Slideshow image

The Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator's commitment to the pit—Khor Virap—which we observe this weekend, has always held a special place in my heart since I became a seminarian. On that Sunday, we would wake up early in the morning and take a long walk from the town of Bikfaya, where our seminary is located, to Antelias in Lebanon, the headquarters of the Armenian Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. This pilgrimage was a way for us to pay homage to St. Gregory, after whom the Cathedral in Antelias is named, and where a relic of the saint is stored in a reliquary shaped like a right hand.

Our church has dedicated several feast days to honor St. Gregory the Illuminator, commemorating significant events such as his commitment to the pit, his release from the pit, and the discovery of his relics. Interestingly, our Catholicosate observes the day of St. Gregory's entry into Khor Virap as a day of pilgrimage. Reflecting on this choice, I see there may be wisdom in recognizing this occasion.

Pain and suffering are unavoidable aspects of life that we often wish to escape at any cost. When avoidance isn't possible, we seek ways to mask these feelings. For many, happiness is the ultimate goal, which sometimes leads individuals to abuse substances in an attempt to numb their pain and experience elation. 

However, reflecting on the sacrificial suffering of St. Gregory over thirteen years encourages us to confront pain and suffering when we encounter them. While it's natural to feel alone and fearful in the face of suffering, if we remain attentive, we may discover the light of the Spirit—an essence of the same light that offered hope to St. Gregory during his long years in Khor Virab. This light ultimately empowered him to become an instrument of hope and enlightenment for our nation.