Mosaic of Gregory the Illuminator in the Pammakaristos Church

Mosaic of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, 14th century. It is in the Church of the Theotokos Pammakaristos in Constantinople.

Saint Gregory the Illuminator is the enlightener of Armenia and the first Catholicos of All Armenians. He baptised King Trdat III of Armenia and Queen Ashkhen, who became the first Christian rulers in history. According to the source, he also baptised the kings of Alania, Georgia, Abkhazia and Caucasian Albania.

In the mosaic the saint is shown in a round frame on a gold background, bearded and with a halo, a white band with black crosses over his shoulders and a book in his hand. On both sides is a Greek inscription in which the name Gregory and the word Armenia can be read. Plant ornaments surround the frame.