Saint Gregory the Illuminator (circa 257 - circa 332), an Armenian Christian bishop, is venerated as a saint by several churches. Born into a royal family, he was persecuted by King Tiridates III of Armenia for his Christian faith. Legend has it that the miraculous healing of the king marked Armenia's conversion to Christianity in 301. Gregory became the first Catholicos and Patriarch of Armenia, promoting the construction of churches and monasteries. Retiring to live as an ascetic, he passed the leadership of the Church to his son, Aristakes, who was also martyred. Both are recognized as saints.
