Saint Isaac The Great

Biography

Saint Isaac The Great, also known as Sahak, was born in 350 as the son of Saint Nerses the Great, who served as the Catholicos of Armenia. With a strong inclination towards his religious calling, Isaac studied in Constantinople, where he deepened his knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. After his studies, Isaac returned to Armenia and married a layman, leading a married life for several years. However, tragedy struck when his wife passed away, leaving Isaac a widower. It was at this point that he decided to embrace the monastic life, dedicating himself fully to serving God and his people. In 390, following the footsteps of his father, Isaac became the Catholicos of Armenia. In this role, Isaac tirelessly worked to reform the Armenian Church, focusing on its spiritual growth and the evangelization of the Armenian people. One of his significant achievements was securing recognition from Constantinople, ensuring the independence and rights of the Armenian Church. Isaac was a staunch advocate for the enforcement of Byzantine canon law and insisted on the practice of celibacy among bishops. He tirelessly built churches, schools, and monasteries throughout Armenia, establishing a strong foundation for the faith. Additionally, he vehemently fought against Persian paganism, reaffirming the Armenian identity. Collaborating closely with Saint Mesrop the Teacher, Isaac actively took part in evangelizing Armenia and played a significant role in developing an Armenian alphabet. Together, they translated the Bible and the teachings of the Greek and Syrian Doctors of the Church into Armenian, thereby making the Word of God accessible to the local population. Furthermore, Isaac served as both a civil and religious leader for his people, going beyond his ecclesiastical duties. He established a national liturgy, fostering unity and spiritual growth among the Armenians. Additionally, his efforts brought about the beginnings of Armenian literature, which further strengthened the cultural identity of the Armenian people. However, in 428, Isaac was forced into retirement when the Persians conquered part of his territory. Despite this setback, Isaac continued to serve his people from Ashtishat, where he returned as the Catholicos. Until his death in 440, he remained devoted to his faith and tirelessly worked to strengthen the Armenian Church and its influence. Saint Isaac The Great is considered the founder of the Armenian Church, leaving behind a rich legacy of spirituality, education, and cultural identity. His contributions to the Armenian language and literature, as well as his unwavering dedication to the faith, have marked him as a significant figure in Armenian history. Saint Isaac The Great passed away in Ashtishat in 440 of natural causes. Although he was not officially canonized by the Catholic Church, his sanctity and influence were widely acknowledged even before the institution of formal canonization procedures. To this day, he continues to be venerated by the faithful, especially in Armenia, and his feast day is celebrated on September 8th.