Grégoire de Narek
v. 945-1003 10th century Feast day: February 27
Offering God one's very groans, lament turned into prayer.
Who was Grégoire de Narek?
An Armenian monk of Narek monastery on the shore of Lake Van, poet and theologian. Around the year 1000 he composed the Book of Lamentations: ninety-five prayers he called words to God from the depths of the heart, written to be prayed by everyone. The Armenian Church has venerated him for ten centuries; Rome declared him a Doctor of the Church in 2015.
In their own words
The voice of a sighing heart, its sobs and mournful cries, I offer up to you, O Seer of Secrets.
Powerful salves for incurable wounds, effective medicines for invisible pains.
I have composed this encyclopedia of prayer for all nations, to be spoken by all peoples, in all tongues, and in every age.