1836.] Memoir of St. Nierses Clajensis. 131 



Parsick having established the seat of his pontificate at the desert 

 of Shughr, in the vicinage of Cheson, felt great interest in frequently 

 visiting the Red Convent, in order that his occasional presence might 

 enhance the utility and efficiency of the institution. Two years after 

 this, considering that the qualifications and good conduct of Gregory 

 were worthy of sacerdotal dignity, Parsick conferred on him the order 

 of priesthood, when he had just attained the age of 15 years. Removed 

 from the Red Convent, Gregory remained with Parsick in the pontifi- 

 cal house, where the latter with paternal care and exertions instilled 

 into the mind of the former such principles of virtuous habits and 

 sound doctrine, as might befit him for the high office which he was 

 destined to fill. 



Having enjoyed the pontifical authority for about eight years, Par« 

 sick was cut off by sudden death. Before, however, this melancholy 

 event, he summoned the dignitaries of the church of Armenia, as well as 

 some of the nobility of the country> and in their presence, nominated 

 his ward Gregory as successor to the pontificate, presenting him with 

 his pontifical robes and sceptre. Accordingly, the bishops and clergy 

 of the nation having assembled in the Red Convent, anointed Gregory 

 with great honors Pontiff of all Armenia. Though of the age of twen- 

 ty years only, the mental and moral qualities of Gregory peculiarly 

 adapted him for the responsibility of the high situation. 



Gregory having, by new improvements, strongly fortified the castle 

 of Zovs, which had devolved on him after the death of his father, re- 

 moved thither the seat of his spiritual government. After the lapse of 

 several years, Nierses, at the particular desire of his brother Gregory, 

 quitted his monastic seclusion, and entered into clerical orders, During 

 the ceremonies of his ordination, the pontiff Gregory bestowed on him 

 the appellation of Nierses, in veneration of the memory of Nierses the 

 Great*, who was of Parthian and Pehlavic extraction. By what name 

 he was originally designated, no mention is made in the works of 

 any of our historians. His profound learning and exemplary virtues 

 soon raised him to the high dignity of a bishop, in whose capacity he 

 was from time to time sent by the pontiff on visitations to the most 

 populous provinces of Armenia, for the purpose of enlightening the 

 minds of the ignorant, and pouring the balm of comfort into the hearts 

 of the afflicted. Wherever he visited, his footsteps were marked with 



the Prayers of St. Gregorius Narekensis, and on the Prophecy of Isaiah. 

 That of the General Epistles was published in Constantinople in the year 1744 ; 

 but those of the two latter have not as yet been discovered. 



* For particulars of the life of Nierses the Great, vide my translation of the 

 History of Armenia, vol. i. page 181. 

 s 2 



