P R E F A C E

In the Fathers of the ChurchArmenian: Hars Yekeghetsvoy. This refers to the influential theologians and scholars of the early Christian era whose writings established the foundations of the faith., it is not only holiness and virtue that prepares them to be champions of the truth of this religion, but also knowledge and wisdom. For through these latter qualities, the arrogant rhetoricArmenian: choromabanutyun, referring to the ornate and sophisticated style of classical Greek and Roman oratory. of the pagans was often forced to admit defeat, while by the examples of holiness and virtue, it was silenced and restrained.

Yet it is rare to see, in the course of world history, individuals enriched by both these gifts at once—those in whom innate virtue and a God-given genius of wisdom were so combined as to produce that exquisite creature who surely moves the world to wonder. While some such individuals could be seen emerging from the barrenness of deserts and hermitages, many others, having converted to Christianity from pagan worship, pursued the same learning in the manner of their fa- The text breaks off mid-word: iwr-. It likely continues to "fathers" (iwrants hartsn).