Martyr, bishop, apostle, and national Saint of Armenia; born, c.257;died Thortan, Armenia, 337. Of noble family, Gregory was educated as a Christian at Caesarea in Cappadocia. He took an important part in freeing Armenia from the Persians, and converted Trdat, the native king, and many of the nobles. He went back to Caesarea, was ordained, and consecrated bishop of the Armenians. On returning he made use of the national language in preaching and in the Liturgy; Christianity was made the official faith, and was soon embraced by the populace, so that Armenia became the first Christian state. Patron of Armenia. Relics in his monastery at Naples. Feast, October 1,.