Gregory IX

Gregory IX

OF ARMENIA (surnamed Mousapegiants), succeeded Joseph III in 1440 as patriarch. Cilicia had been continually invaded at that time by different enemies, on which account some of the bishops wished to establish the patriarchal seat in a different part of the empire, less exposed to danger, and proposed to transfer the see of Sis to the monastery of EchIiadzin. But as Gregory would not consent, they began to attack him on account of his election, which, in fact, had taken place in a small assembly. Accordingly seven hundred bishops and doctors united, in 1441, at Echmiadzin, under the presidency of Zacharias, bishop of Havuts-Tihara, and elected Gurragas, a monk of Kharabasd, if the province of Khadchperuni. The latter established himself at Echmiadzin, while Gregory continued in the city of Sis, being recognised only by the inhabitants of Cilicia. He died in 1447. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.