Feast of the Holy Translators

Celebrating this feast, the Armenian Apostolic Church pays tribute of respect to the bright memory of St. Mesrob Mashtots, Yeghishe, Moses of Khoronk, philosoppher Davit Anhaght, whose sacred work and mission later has been continued on by St. Gregory of Narek and St. Nerses the Gracious.

For the Armenian people the Feast of the Holy Translators is one of the most favorite and beloved national-ecclesiastical feasts. Nearly two hundred disciples of St. Mesrob Mashtots and St. Sahak are known by the general group name “Holy Translators”. The disciples of the above mentioned group of Holy Translators are known as “Junior Translators”.

In the first period there were special translators who were translating the Holy Bible part by part into Armenian orally. However it was not enough. St. Mesrop Mashtots was concerned about this issue. The Armenians were deprived of reading the Holy Bible and getting the truth and the opportunity of being rescued. Mashtots was thinking over translating the Bible into Armenian for the realization of which he applies to the Armenian Catholicos Sahak Partev. It turns out that the Catholicos is also concerned with this issue. King Vramshapuh Arshakuni as well approves of the project. Thus Mashtots taking his disciples with him leaves for Edessa where one of the biggest miracles occurs. The God heard Mashtots’ prayers and gifted him the scripts.

Having the scripts St. Mesrop together with Hropanos forms them. After creating them Mesrop Mashtots translated the following lines in Armenian “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding,” the proverbs of Solomon (1:2). After this God given gift St Mashtots returned to Armenia taking with him a very precious treasure which was to serve the weapon for the Armenians in the upcoming years of struggle. By the efforts of St. Sahak and St. Mesrop there were many schools opened where the Armenian letters were being taught. He takes up translation of the Holy Book with his disciples. Thus the Christianity becomes a part of the Armenian life.

Today in Armenia, in the St. Mesrop Mashtots church will be given a Holy Liturgy of oath.