NERSES I THE GREAT, SAINT


Meaning of NERSES I THE GREAT, SAINT in English

n.

born 0441; 310

died 373?; feast day, February 19

Patriarch of the Armenian church from 0441; 353.

A descendant of St. Gregory the Illuminator (240–332), Nerses became the most important figure in Armenia during his patriarchate, establishing monastic and charitable institutions and schools. He was a supporter of King Pap of Armenia but broke with him over his fostering of religious ties with the court of Constantinople, which led to Pap's instigating the murder of Nerses.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.