Gregentius of Taphar was a mid-6th-century archbishop, reportedly serving in Zafar, the capital of the Himyarite kingdom. While his life is documented in a 10th-century hagiographical dossier, many details of his biography are considered legendary or fictitious. The collection of texts describing him includes a biography, a set of laws, and a theological debate. He is recognized as a saint within various Christian traditions, including Catholic and Orthodox, and is commemorated on December 19.
Life and writings
The primary accounts of his life come from the Bios, which details a journey from his birthplace in the land of the Avars through Italy and North Africa to Egypt and Himyar. His writings, known as the Acts of Gregentios, consist of his biography, the Nomoi (laws), and the Dialexis, a debate with a man named Herban. Some scholars suggest the legal texts may contain authentic elements from pre-Islamic South Arabia.
Veneration
Gregentius is honored as a saint in several traditions. His memory was preserved through various manuscripts, including Slavonic translations and Arabic versions of his debates. His image has been preserved in religious art, such as a 12th-century fresco located in a monastery on Cyprus. He is remembered through his feast day on December 19.