Gregory VI of Cilicia

Gregory VI of Cilicia, also Gregory VI Apirat or Grigor VI Apirat was the catholicos of the Armenian Church from 1194 to 1203, located in Sis. In 1198, he proclaimed a union between Rome and the Armenian Church.

Gregory, who was favourable to the Latins, had been nominated by Prince Leon II of Armenia (the future king Levon I), because the latter needed an alliance with them. Leon II has disposed of his predecessor Gregory V of Cilicia (1193-1194) because of the latter's opposition to the Latin union. This election created a schism in the Armenian Church however, and a rival anti-patriarch was elected in Greater Armenia.

Gregory's announcement of union was not followed in deads however, as the local clergy and populace was strongly opposed to it.

When Leon II asked to the Pope and to the Emperor that he be recognized as king, the condition was that the Armenian Church should rally Rome. He formally accepted the union, but this again was without effect as the Armenian clergy was strongly opposed to it, and never accepted the doctrine of the double nature of Christ.

References

*René Grousset, L'Empire du Levant : Histoire de la Question d'Orient, 1949