Marian devotion
The Virgin of Khor Virap
Khor Virap, Armenia
At the monastery of Khor Virap, where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years, the Virgin Mary is venerated as the liberator of captives.
The Monastery of Khor Virap
The Monastery of Khor Virap is one of the holiest sites in Armenia. Founded in the 7th century, the monastery stands on the site where St. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years by King Tiridates III.
Our Lady of the Captives
The image of Our Lady of the Captives is a 7th-century stone carving depicting the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, surrounded by broken chains. Tradition holds that the Virgin appeared to Saint Gregory in his cell, announcing his liberation and the conversion of Armenia.
"Our Lady of the Captives breaks the chains of those who suffer in silence."
Release analogues
The faithful of Khor Virap recount numerous miracles attributed to the intercession of the Virgin of the Captives:
- Release of political prisoners during the Soviet era
- Curing diseases in prisons
- Protection of those persecuted for their faith
- Reuniting families separated by war
Prayer of the captives
O Mother of God, who breaks the chains of captives. You who freed Saint Gregory from his prison, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. May your power free all who suffer in silence. Amen.
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