Which Catholic saint served as the first bishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church according to tradition?

Saint Gregory the Illuminator is traditionally regarded as the first official head and bishop of the Armenian Church. He is credited with converting Armenia’s royal court and helping establish Christianity as the kingdom’s religion.

According to Armenian tradition, Gregory was imprisoned for years in Khor Virap by King Tiridates III. After Gregory healed the king, Tiridates converted to Christianity. The traditional date for Armenia’s adoption of Christianity is around 301, although historians debate the exact chronology.

Gregory was consecrated bishop in Caesarea of Cappadocia and returned to Armenia to organize the Church. He established his principal center at Vagharshapat, later known as Etchmiadzin, one of the most important Christian sites in Armenia.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is an Oriental Orthodox church and is distinct from the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches. Gregory’s title, “the Illuminator,” reflects his role in bringing Christian teaching to Armenia.