Famous Armenian Spiritual & Religious Leaders

Mkrtich Khrimian was an Armenian Apostolic Church leader, publisher, and educator. From 1893 to 1907, he served as Catholicos of All Armenians. Mkrtich Khrimian is also remembered for his service as the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople from 1869 to 1873. Khrimian is credited with laying the foundation for the Armenian national movement of the 19th and 20th centuries.  

Vazgen I was an Armenian philosopher and religious leader. He is best remembered for his service as the Catholicos of All Armenians from 1955 to 1994, the fourth longest reign of all time. Vazgen I led the Armenian Church at the time of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. 

Karekin I was an Armenian religious leader who served as the Catholicos of Cilicia between 1983 and 1994. From 1994 to 1999, he was the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Karekin I also wrote several booklets and books in English, Armenian, and French. He also published numerous studies and articles on theological, ethical, philosophical, and literary subjects.

According to the New Testament, Bartholomäus was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. He is believed to have been martyred for convincing Polymius, King of Armenia, to convert to Christianity. Today, Bartholomäus is revered as the patron saint of leathermakers and is venerated in all Christian denominations.

John IV of Odzun was an Armenian religious leader, theologian, and jurist. He is best remembered for his service as the supreme head of the Armenian Church. Also a writer, John IV of Odzun is credited with authoring a theological treatise on Jesus Christ.