Spiritual and religious significance of Gregory of Nar Book of Lamentation

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.