History of Armenia

more than in Assyria, many hastened to come to such exhibitions original: "յայրատութիւնս". This refers to displays or public spectacles of knowledge.. Ignorant and bold men wrote vain and useless things in their own discourses and mixed them into the writings of learned listeners. But the discerning mind clearly recognizes the words of the wise and the babble of the mindless.

IV. To all this, with wakeful and thoughtful consideration, the intelligent and brave man Vahan, Lord of the Mamikonians, General of the Armenians and marzpan governor/ruler appointed by the Persians, paid attention. He was the one who, during the time of his authority, was the creator of many and countless improvements in the Armenian land, both personally and by encouraging many others. He, just as he cared for all other good matters of the Armenian land, considered this one also appropriate and fitting. In the remainder of the history of the second book, he wished to continue and write about what happened in the Armenian land from then on. To write and organize with great care, one by one, all the virtues of the spiritual men and the goodness of the brave men. So that, hearing the good conduct of the spiritual ones, the multitude of people might desire to be imitators of their asceticism, and the brave ones, hearing the deeds of those who were brave beforehand, might add courage to themselves and leave a famous memory behind them, for themselves and for the nation. And the lazy and the base, by looking at themselves and hearing the criticisms of others, might be educated in holy envy and strive to improve.

According to this example, Vahan, Lord of the Mamikonians, General of the Armenians and marzpan, urged and compelled me. His order reached me, Ghazar Parpetsi, who was also raised and taught at the feet of the virtue-bearing blessed Aghan, who was by lineage from the magnificent and famous Arshakuni original: "Արծրունեաց". Note: The text refers to the Artsruni dynasty here. family, the son of Vasak, brother of Tachat and Gotorz. While he was still in the days of childhood, and while the down of youth was just beginning to grow on his beautiful, rose-flushed cheeks, he cast away and despised all the pleasures of this transitory life and, choosing the sky-bound path of eternal goods, followed it, living in deserts with men chosen for great asceticism. And no one is sufficient in words to encompass the limitless struggle of this man's life. But let us leave the words stated only thus: as if, though existing in the body, through hardship, fasting, and unceasing prayers, night and day he always bore the conduct of the incorporeal heavenly hosts within himself through spiritual, inexhaustible labors. He never chose an hour for prayer in his life; rather, day and night were for him an unceasing hour of prayer. And living thus, until the white hair of his head flourished more than the almond tree, he completed the course of his struggle and rested. And he was placed in the monastery in Hadamakert. His memorial, along with the names of the holy witnesses...

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