Vatican to Honor Armenian Church Figures and Issue Stamps

St. Gregory of Narek was declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Francis earlier this year (Source: The Armenian Weekly)

ROME (PanArmenian.net)—The Vatican’s Philatelic and Numismatic Office has announced that it is issuing stamps in honor of two prominent figures of the Armenian Church, Ignatius Maloyan of Mardin and Saint Gregory of Narek.

This year marks the centenary of the martyrdom of Ignatius Maloyan, Archbishop of Mardin, Turkey. Maloyan was known for his closeness to his diocese and alertness to devotees material, social, and spiritual needs. He encouraged devotion to the Catholic Church in all the parishes of the region. In statement released by the Vatican, Maloyan is said to have showed his witness of faith in the Risen Christ when he called on his priests to pray and remain strong in the faith, given the tragic news and threats against the Armenian people in 1915 which deeply marked not only Turkey, but also all of Europe.

“I’ve told you I shall live and die for the sake of my faith and religion. I take pride in the Cross of my Lord and God,” Maloyan is said to have told his executioner, who tried to make him renounce his faith in order to save his life in 1915.

In April 2015, Pope Francis declared Saint Gregory of Narek Doctor of the Church. Gregory of Narek lived most of his life in the monastery of Narek, Armenia, where he led a life marked by great humility and charity. He is celebrated as one of the greatest poets of Armenian literature. After his death, his tomb immediately became a pilgrimage site for the Armenian people.