The Festal Works of St. Gregory of Narek

Abraham Terian is professor emeritus of Armenian theology and patristics at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, Armonk, New York. A recipient of the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in the Humanities award and Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, he has extensive publications in the fields of Hellenistic, early Christian, and Armenian religious literature.

Contents
Transcription of Armenian   xi
Preface   xiii
Introduction   xvii
Odes and Litanies

1a  Ode for the Blessing of Water / “Good news!”  3
2    Litany for the Holy Nativity and Baptism / “Treasure incorruptible”   8
2a  Ode for the Nativity / “At the very right hand”   16
3a   Ode for the Fortieth-day Coming of the Lord / “One of the Existent”   20
4a   Ode for the Forty and Other Holy Martyrs / “Bands of holy confessors”   25
4b   Alternate / “We now lift our voices”   29
5a   Ode for the Raising of Lazarus / “That very place”   32
5b   Canticle for the Raising of Lazarus / “Good news to Mary”   37
5b   Var Ode for the Lord’s Coming to Lazarus / “Good news to Mary”   39
5c   Ode for the Raising of Lazarus / “The Existent, ever of his own essence”   41
6a   Ode for the Resurrection / “God is the name”   44
6b   Alternate / “Dark am I, beautiful”   49 
6c   Ode for the Resurrection / “Love at daybreak”   53
7    Litany for St. John the Baptist / “O truly without beginning”   60
8a   Ode for the Ascension of Christ God / “The Existent”   72
8b   Ode for the Ascension / “The Existent, Himself”   77
8c   Alternate / “To that little, sad flock”   80
9    Litany for the Coming of the Holy Spirit / “Treasure of Light”   82
9a  Ode for the Coming of the Holy Spirit / “A sudden blast”   89
10  Litany for the Church / “Treasure of profound goodness”   92
10a  Ode for the Church / “Heaven on earth”   101
10b  Alternate / “The bird, the bird woke up”   105
11   Litany for St. Gregory the Illuminator / “With overwhelming joy elated”   110
12   Litany for the Church and the Ark of the Lord / “Gathered we all”   120
12a Ode for the Church / “Before there was motion”   127
13   Litany for the Transfiguration / “Treasure beyond measure”   130
13a Ode for the Transfiguration / “The gem-like rose”   138
14   Litany for the Assumption of the Most Blessed Holy Bearer of God / “Treasure beyond corruption”   145
14a  Ode for the Church / “Amazing song”   155
14a   Var Canticle for the Nativity (Ode for the Church) / “Amazing song”   161
15   Litany for the Holy Cross / “Treasure ineffable”   164
15a  Ode for the Holy Cross / “I speak of the Lion’s roar”   170
16    Litany for All the Holy Apostles / “Treasure of the glorious mystery”   172 

Supplements
1      Ode for the Resurrection / “That (small) cart”   183
2.1    Praise for the Temple of Solomon / “Hosts from above”   190
2.1 Var   Ode for the Church and The Holy Temple / “Hosts from above”   195
2.2   Ode for the Holy Cross / “I go up to Jerusalem”   197
2.3    Alternate / “I yearn to be on the cross”   199
2.3 Var    Alternate / “I yearn to be on the cross”   202
2.4    Ode for the Coming of the Holy Spirit / “With melodious voice”   204
2.5    Litany for All the Apostles and Hierarchs / “Treasure so awesome and amazing”   207
3.1    Ode / “The Virgin was in the cave”   213
3.2    Ode for the Holy Resurrection / “The swiftly moving waters”   218

Encomia
     History of the Holy Cross of Aparank‘ (1)   223
     Encomium on the Holy Cross / Recension A (2.1)   244
     Encomium on the Holy Cross / Recension B (2.2)   266
     Encomium on the Holy Virgin / Recension A (3.1)   288
     Encomium on the Holy Virgin / Recension B (3.2)   307
     Encomium on the Holy Apostles (4)   326
     Encomium on Saint James of Nisibis: A Discourse of Praise (5)   344

Appendices
     A. Gregory of Narek’s Colophons   365
         1. Colophon in a Manuscript of His Father’s
               Commentary on the Divine Liturgy   365
         2. Colophon to Commentary on Song of Songs   366 
         3. Colophon to Encomium on the Holy Virgin   367
         4. Colophon to Book of Lamentation   371
     B. Gregory of Narek’s Biography by Nersēs of Lambron   373
     C. Reason for Anathematizing Khosrov, Bishop of
            Andzewats‘ik‘, by Lord Anania (of Mokk‘) Catholicos of the Armenians   375

Genealogical Tables
     A. Narekats‘i and His Kin   378
     B. Bishops of the District of Mokk‘   379

Bibliography   381
Scripture Index   397