stepsШаги/StepsShagi / Steps2412-94102782-1765The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public AdministrationWXREKLsteps-1050Research ArticleАСПЕКТЫ РЕЛИГИОЗНОЙ КУЛЬТУРЫASPECTS OF RELIGIOUS CULTURESpiritual and religious significance of Gregory of Narek’s Book of LamentationSpiritual and religious significance of Gregory of Nar Book of Lamentationhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3735-5118ApresyanA. G.ApresyanA. G.

Ануш Гагиковна Апресян, кандидат филологических наук старший научный сотрудник, отдел cредневековой литературы и филoлогии

0009, Ереван, пр-т Маштоца, д. 53 

Anush Gagikovna Apresyan, Cand. Sci. (Philology) Senior Researcher, Department of Medieval Literature and Philology

0009, Yerevan, Mashtots Ave., 53 

apresiananush@gmail.comИнститут древних рукописей им. Месропа Маштоца (Матенадаран)АрменияMesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran)Armenia202507092025113265276Copyright © Apresyan A.G., 20252025Apresyan A.G.Apresyan A.G.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.https://steps.ranepa.ru/jour/article/view/1050

В статье посредством рассмотрения ряда из 95 молитв «Книги скорбных песнопений» Григора Нарекаци анализируется восходящий путь духовного и религиозного развития внутреннего и внешнего человека, практики молитв, благодати покаяния и возможности искупительного обожения человеческого существа. Путь развития, избранный автором «Книги», рассматривается с точки зрения средневековых и позднейших (XVIII–XIX вв.) комментариев к молитвам. В основе этого пути человек — внешний и внутренний, и они должны находиться в гармонии, когда вовлечены в молитву. Молящийся вникает в текст молитвы, отождествляет себя с автором, а искреннее сообщество с Богом делает его «непосредственно близким» к Божеству, приводя к благодати. «Книга» выражает одну из основ христианской и неоплатонической этики, согласно которой, цель духовного развития человека — стремление к внутреннему благоподобию. Таким образом, духовное и религиозное развитие человека раскрывается через а) прославление, где Бог — наивысшая сущность; б) исповедь, где человек обретается в оппозиции к Богу из-за своей греховной земной жизни; в) моление, которое есть акт раскаяния грешника и поиска им милосердия Божия.

The article examines the ascending path of spiritual and religious development, encompassing both the inner and the outer man, the practice of prayer, the grace of repentance, and godlikeness. This examination involves analyzing a series of 95 prayers from the Book of Lamentation of St. Gregory of Narek. The trajectory of development chosen by the author of the Book of Lamentation is evaluated from the perspective of medieval and subsequent (18th–19th centuries) commentaries on prayers. The foundational principle of this path is based on the concept of Man, with his dual manifestations — the external and the internal — harmonizing when engaged in prayer. The supplicant assimilates the text of the prayer, identifies with the author, and sincere communication with God brings him “immediately close”, leading him to the grace of tears. This approach, therefore, represents the sole means by which humanity can attain the divine image. St. Gregoryʼs book elucidates a foundational principle of both Christian and Neoplatonic ethics, asserting that the primary objective of human spiritual growth is to aspire to godlikeness within the confines of human capability. Consequently, the trajectory of human spiritual and religious development can be delineated as follows: a) glorification, where God is regarded as the ultimate essence; b) confession, where the human being is seen as being in opposition to God due to their sinful earthly life; and c) supplication, which denotes the act of a sinner repenting and seeking divine mercy.

Григор Нарекаци«Книга скорбных песнопений»книга молитвхристианский мистицизмрелигиозные молитвыСв. ДухGregory of NarekBook of Lamentationbook of prayersChristian mysticismspiritual prayersHoly SpiritReferencesAdrian (2018). Adrian’s Introduction to the Divine Scriptures: An Antiochene handbook for scriptural interpretation (P. W. Martens, Ed. and Trans.). Oxford Univ. Press.Adrian (2018). Adrian’s Introduction to the Divine Scriptures: An Antiochene handbook for scriptural interpretation (P. W. Martens, Ed. and Trans.). Oxford Univ. Press.Apresyan, A. (2021). Grigor Narekatsi and the Translators. Armenian Studies, 2(26), 213– 222.Apresyan, A. (2021). Grigor Narekatsi and the Translators. Armenian Studies, 2(26), 213– 222.Aramyan, M. (Trans.) (2019). Sb. Grigor Narekats‘i, Matean Oghbergut‘ean [St. Gregory of Narek, Book of Lamentation]. Vēm. (In Armenian).Aramyan, M. (Trans.) (2019). Sb. Grigor Narekats‘i, Matean Oghbergut‘ean [St. Gregory of Narek, Book of Lamentation]. Vēm. (In Armenian).Arlen, J. S. (2018). Texts for keeping watch: The ‘Hymns of the Night’ of Ephrem of Nisibis and the Book of Lamentation of Gregory of Narek. Viator: Medieval and Renaissance Studies, 49(2), 1–23.Arlen, J. S. (2018). Texts for keeping watch: The ‘Hymns of the Night’ of Ephrem of Nisibis and the Book of Lamentation of Gregory of Narek. Viator: Medieval and Renaissance Studies, 49(2), 1–23.Avetikʻean, G. (1827). Grigori Narekay vanits‘ vanakani Matenagrut‘iwnk‘ [Writings of Gregory. Monk of the Monastery of Narek]. I Vans Srboyn Ghazaru. (In Armenian).Avetikʻean, G. (1827). Grigori Narekay vanits‘ vanakani Matenagrut‘iwnk‘ [Writings of Gregory. Monk of the Monastery of Narek]. I Vans Srboyn Ghazaru. (In Armenian).Benevich, G. I., & Biryukov, D. S. (2009). Antologiia vostochʻno-khristianskoi bogoslovskoi mysli [Anthology of Eastern Christian theological thought]. Nikeia. (In Russian).Benevich, G. I., & Biryukov, D. S. (2009). Antologiia vostochʻno-khristianskoi bogoslovskoi mysli [Anthology of Eastern Christian theological thought]. Nikeia. (In Russian).Devrikyan, V., & Devrikyan, Sh. (2023). History and iconography of Grigor Narekatsiʼs vision. Shagi / Steps, 9(3), 174–191. https://doi.org/10.22394/2412-9410-2023-9-3-174-189.Devrikyan, V., & Devrikyan, Sh. (2023). History and iconography of Grigor Narekatsiʼs vision. Shagi / Steps, 9(3), 174–191. https://doi.org/10.22394/2412-9410-2023-9-3-174-189.Ervine, R. R. (2007). The blessing of blessings: Gregory of Narek’s Commentary on the Song of Songs. Cistercian.Ervine, R. R. (2007). The blessing of blessings: Gregory of Narek’s Commentary on the Song of Songs. Cistercian.Ferguson, E. (Ed.) (1993). Doctrines of human nature, sin, and salvation in the Early Church: Studies in early Christianity. Garland.Ferguson, E. (Ed.) (1993). Doctrines of human nature, sin, and salvation in the Early Church: Studies in early Christianity. Garland.Francis, Pope (2015). Sanctus Gregorius Narecensis Doctor Ecclesiae Universalis renuntiatur. Acta Apostolicae Sedis Journal, 107(5), 421–426. (In Latin).Francis, Pope (2015). Sanctus Gregorius Narecensis Doctor Ecclesiae Universalis renuntiatur. Acta Apostolicae Sedis Journal, 107(5), 421–426. (In Latin).Geda, V. (Trans.) (2021). Grigoras Narekaci, Sielvartingų Giedojimų knyga [Gregory of Narek. Book of Lamentation]. Jotema. (In Lithuanian).Geda, V. (Trans.) (2021). Grigoras Narekaci, Sielvartingų Giedojimų knyga [Gregory of Narek. Book of Lamentation]. Jotema. (In Lithuanian).Ghanalanyan, A. T. (1969). Avandapatum [Mythology]. Haykakan SSH GA hratarakchʻutʻyun. (In Armenian).Ghanalanyan, A. T. (1969). Avandapatum [Mythology]. Haykakan SSH GA hratarakchʻutʻyun. (In Armenian).Gorman, M. J. (2019). Participating in Christ: Explorations in Paul’s theology and spirituality. Baker Academic.Gorman, M. J. (2019). Participating in Christ: Explorations in Paul’s theology and spirituality. Baker Academic.Kheranyan, M. (Trans.) (2023). Grigor Narekats‘i, Matean Oghbergut‘ean [Gregory of Narek, Book of Lamentation]. Mayr Atʻor Surb Ējmiatsin. (In Armenian).Kheranyan, M. (Trans.) (2023). Grigor Narekats‘i, Matean Oghbergut‘ean [Gregory of Narek, Book of Lamentation]. Mayr Atʻor Surb Ējmiatsin. (In Armenian).Kʻyoseyan, H. (2023). Khorhrdapashtakan astvatsabanutʻyun [Mystical theology]. EPH. (In Armenian).Kʻyoseyan, H. (2023). Khorhrdapashtakan astvatsabanutʻyun [Mystical theology]. EPH. (In Armenian).Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors we live by. Univ. of Chicago Press.Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980). Metaphors we live by. Univ. of Chicago Press.Lalayan, V. (2021). Grigor Narekats‘u Matean Oghbergut‘ean erki khorhrdabanakan ĕnkalumnerĕ XIII–XVIII darerum [Symbolic perceptions of the Book of Lamentation of Gregory of Narek in the 13th–18th centuries]. Antares. (In Armenian).Lalayan, V. (2021). Grigor Narekats‘u Matean Oghbergut‘ean erki khorhrdabanakan ĕnkalumnerĕ XIII–XVIII darerum [Symbolic perceptions of the Book of Lamentation of Gregory of Narek in the 13th–18th centuries]. Antares. (In Armenian).Mahe, J.-P. (1986). Oghbergut‘ean Mateani karutsʻvatsʻqi ew steghtsagortsman mi qani harts‘er [Problems relating to the structure and creation of the Book of Lamentation]. Historical and Philological Journal, 4, 99‒105. (In Armenian).Mahe, J.-P. (1986). Oghbergut‘ean Mateani karutsʻvatsʻqi ew steghtsagortsman mi qani harts‘er [Problems relating to the structure and creation of the Book of Lamentation]. Historical and Philological Journal, 4, 99‒105. (In Armenian).Mahé, J.-P. (2015). Grigor Narekats‘u ʻAparank‘i Surb Khach‘iʼ patmutyan gaghtnik‘nerĕ [The secrets of the story of the Holy Cross from Aparankʻ]. Banber Matenadarani, 22, 24–30. (In Armenian).Mahé, J.-P. (2015). Grigor Narekats‘u ʻAparank‘i Surb Khach‘iʼ patmutyan gaghtnik‘nerĕ [The secrets of the story of the Holy Cross from Aparankʻ]. Banber Matenadarani, 22, 24–30. (In Armenian).Mahé, J.-P. (2006). L’écclésiologie de saint Grégoire de Narek. Saint Grégoire de Narek, Théologien et Mystique (J.-P. Mahé, & B. L., Zekiyan, Eds., pp. 205−228). Pontificio Istituto orientale.Mahé, J.-P. (2006). L’écclésiologie de saint Grégoire de Narek. Saint Grégoire de Narek, Théologien et Mystique (J.-P. Mahé, & B. L., Zekiyan, Eds., pp. 205−228). Pontificio Istituto orientale.Maklakov, A. G. (2001). Obshchaia psikhologiia [General psychology]. Piter. (In Russian).Maklakov, A. G. (2001). Obshchaia psikhologiia [General psychology]. Piter. (In Russian).Mathews, E. G. (Ed., Trans., 2014). The Armenian prayers attributed to Ephrem the Syrian. Gorgias Press.Mathews, E. G. (Ed., Trans., 2014). The Armenian prayers attributed to Ephrem the Syrian. Gorgias Press.Mikushevich, V. (1981). Tselitelʼnyi svet (Poema Gr. Narekatsi “Kniga skorbnykh pesnopenii”) [Healing light (Poem by Grеgory of Narekʼs Book of Lamentation)]. Vestnik Erevanskogo universiteta, 3, 61‒73. (In Russian).Mikushevich, V. (1981). Tselitelʼnyi svet (Poema Gr. Narekatsi “Kniga skorbnykh pesnopenii”) [Healing light (Poem by Grеgory of Narekʼs Book of Lamentation)]. Vestnik Erevanskogo universiteta, 3, 61‒73. (In Russian).Nalean, Y. (1745). Meknut‘iwn aghot‘its‘ ew nerboghinats‘ Srboyn Grigori Narekats‘woy [Commentary on the Prayers and Encomia of St. Gregory of Narek]. Tirats‘u Gabriēl. (In Armenian).Nalean, Y. (1745). Meknut‘iwn aghot‘its‘ ew nerboghinats‘ Srboyn Grigori Narekats‘woy [Commentary on the Prayers and Encomia of St. Gregory of Narek]. Tirats‘u Gabriēl. (In Armenian).Narekats‘i, G. (1985). Matean Oghbergut‘ean [Book of Lamentation] (P. M. Khachʻatryan, & A. A. Ghazinyan, Eds.). Haykakan SSH GA hratarakchʻutʻyun. (In Armenian).Narekats‘i, G. (1985). Matean Oghbergut‘ean [Book of Lamentation] (P. M. Khachʻatryan, & A. A. Ghazinyan, Eds.). Haykakan SSH GA hratarakchʻutʻyun. (In Armenian).Papazian, M. (2019). The doctor of mercy: The sacred treasures of St. Gregory of Narek. Liturgical Press Academic.Papazian, M. (2019). The doctor of mercy: The sacred treasures of St. Gregory of Narek. Liturgical Press Academic.Petrossian, L. (Ed.) (2010). Grégoire de Narek: Commentaire sur le Cantique des Cantiques [Gregory of Narek: Commentary on the Song of Songs]. Pontificio Istituto orientale.Petrossian, L. (Ed.) (2010). Grégoire de Narek: Commentaire sur le Cantique des Cantiques [Gregory of Narek: Commentary on the Song of Songs]. Pontificio Istituto orientale.Russell, J. (1996). Armenian spirituality: Liturgical mysticism and chapter 33 of the Book of Lamentation of St. Grigor Narekac‘i. Revue des études arméniennes, 26, 427–439.Russell, J. (1996). Armenian spirituality: Liturgical mysticism and chapter 33 of the Book of Lamentation of St. Grigor Narekac‘i. Revue des études arméniennes, 26, 427–439.Samuelian, T. J. (2001). Speaking with God from the depths of the heart: The Armenian Prayer Book of St. Gregory of Narek. Vēm.Samuelian, T. J. (2001). Speaking with God from the depths of the heart: The Armenian Prayer Book of St. Gregory of Narek. Vēm.Stewart, C. (2011). Evagrius Ponticus and the Eastern monastic tradition on the intellect and the passions. Modern Theology, 27(2), 263–275.Stewart, C. (2011). Evagrius Ponticus and the Eastern monastic tradition on the intellect and the passions. Modern Theology, 27(2), 263–275.Tʻamrazyan, H. H. (2008). Grigori Narekay vanits‘ vanakani Matean Oghbergut‘ean [Book of Lamentation by Gregory, Monk of the Monastery of Narek]. Matenagirk‘ Hayocʻ, 12, 9‒46. (In Armenian).Tʻamrazyan, H. H. (2008). Grigori Narekay vanits‘ vanakani Matean Oghbergut‘ean [Book of Lamentation by Gregory, Monk of the Monastery of Narek]. Matenagirk‘ Hayocʻ, 12, 9‒46. (In Armenian).Tʻamrazyan, H. H. (2016). Grigor Narekats‘in ew Narekyan Dprots‘ě [Gregory of Narek and the School of Narek] (Book 2). Nairi. (In Armenian).Tʻamrazyan, H. H. (2016). Grigor Narekats‘in ew Narekyan Dprots‘ě [Gregory of Narek and the School of Narek] (Book 2). Nairi. (In Armenian).Terian, A. (2021). From the depths of the heart: Annotated translation of the prayers of St. Gregory of Narek. Liturgical Press Academic.Terian, A. (2021). From the depths of the heart: Annotated translation of the prayers of St. Gregory of Narek. Liturgical Press Academic.Tobin, T. H. (1983). The creation of man: Philo and the history of interpretation. Catholic Biblical Association of America.Tobin, T. H. (1983). The creation of man: Philo and the history of interpretation. Catholic Biblical Association of America.Volkonski, P. (Trans., & Comment.) (2017). Grigor Nareki, Nutullaulude Raamat [Gregory of Narek. Book of Lamentation]. Tallinna Ülikooli Kirjastus. (In Estonian).Volkonski, P. (Trans., & Comment.) (2017). Grigor Nareki, Nutullaulude Raamat [Gregory of Narek. Book of Lamentation]. Tallinna Ülikooli Kirjastus. (In Estonian).Warne, G. J. (1995). Hebrew perspectives on the human person in the Hellenistic Era: Philo and Paul. Mellen Biblical Press.Warne, G. J. (1995). Hebrew perspectives on the human person in the Hellenistic Era: Philo and Paul. Mellen Biblical Press.Zekʻiyan, B. L. (2015). Grigor Narekats‘i: Tiezerakan vardapet [Gregory of Narek: Doctor of the Universal Church]. Banber Matenadarani, 22, 10‒23. (In Armenian).Zekʻiyan, B. L. (2015). Grigor Narekats‘i: Tiezerakan vardapet [Gregory of Narek: Doctor of the Universal Church]. Banber Matenadarani, 22, 10‒23. (In Armenian).

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present.