History of Vardan and the Armenian War

In which I have placed the numbers and the narration with the third person, so that you might not be shown some lead mixed with the golden words of the saint.

Also, let this not be overlooked: that the author's title for the fifth chapter was not in the copy. And we, not being able to access a second copy of this holy book, having a conscience of the mind, were not a little troubled that perhaps that chapter might be missing; although according to one interpretation, that title was simply severed and at least inserted into the sixth, therefore it was arranged according to the saint's promise.

217–220. In the Colophon — "Glory... to Him who... gave ability to our unworthiness to reach the completion of the printing of this book, in the year 1214, on July 10... By the means and expenses of the holy throne of Etchmiadzin, the laborious congregant Abraham vardapet, who, according to his book-loving nature, was also willing to print this beneficial book for two reasons. First, because in the year 1212, in the city of Smyrna (being the prelate of that place at that time), he had printed the book of Yeghnak Koghbatsi, who with learned intellect and collected style refutes the sect of Magianism, the religion of the Zoroastrians fire-worshippers, as is evident to the readers of that same book.

But so that the work of the wise holy vardapet (like one driving away gnats with a flail) might not be considered superfluous and useless by some, for that reason he also had the history book of the holy vardapet Yeghishe, his contemporary, printed, so that its readers might recognize the grim malice of that aforementioned heresy (by which the blinded ones almost intended to burn the holy churches of Armenia, until our holy and chosen prelates and princes, competing by death and blood, were barely able to extinguish its flames) and consider the work of the holy vardapet Yeghnak necessary and useful, and also the printing of his sophistry as a strong and effective medicine, prepared against death-bearing pains and great illness.

Second, because the blessed vardapet Yeghishe, being of our nation and possessing great holiness, complete wisdom, and the wealth of Athenian learning, it was not deemed fitting that the work of this man (which this present book is) should remain, as treasure, covered under the earth, when, apart from a few, many could not be enriched by it. For this beautifully arranged volume contains not a little spiritual wealth within itself. That is: it is as a taste of Christian learning; an unexpected testimony of the rites of the holy church; a type of orthodox confession; the sweetness of martyrdom for the sake of faith; a section of prayer; a powerful inciter of spiritual fervor and the shedding of tears; for the sake of patriotism and holy paternal laws, a sermon and spiritual zeal; a gathering of tradition; the mention by name of our martyrs dyed with blood, both clergy and laymen; a work of majesty special to our nation and a place of pride. Also, according to the definition of the philosophers, it is a history of great deeds with persons, causes, places, and times."