Vardan Arevelti
Armenia- Vardapet Vardapet (Archimandrite)
- Early Life and Education
- Languages and Religious Advancement
- Educational and Scholastic Endeavors
- Ecclesiastical and National Involvement
- Literary and Scientific Contributions
- "Jkhlank" Encyclopedia
- "Ashkharatsuyts" Geography
- Grammatical Works
- "Compilation of History"
Vardapet Vardapet (Archimandrite)
Vardapet Vardapet, also known as Vardapet Arevelci, was an Armenian historian, geographer, philosopher, linguist, translator, pedagogue, and ecclesiastical and social activist.
Early Life and Education
Born in Armenia, Vardapet received his primary education in his hometown and at the Nor Getik Monastery, where he studied under the renowned Mkhitar Gosh. He continued his studies at the Khoranashat Monastery in Tavush, where he excelled in grammar, theology, and bookbinding.
Languages and Religious Advancement
Vardapet was proficient in Greek, Syriac, Persian, Hebrew, and Latin. He became a vartapet (archimandrite) around 1235 and a rabunapet in 1248, marking his progression in the Armenian Church hierarchy.
Educational and Scholastic Endeavors
Vardapet founded the school of St. Andrew's Monastery in Kayenaber (1235–1239, 1252–1255), where he taught for several years. He also traveled to Jerusalem in 1239 and visited Cilicia upon the invitation of King Hetum I.
Ecclesiastical and National Involvement
Vardapet participated in the Armenian National-Ecclesiastical Council of Sis in 1243, bringing its canons back to Armenia. He actively engaged in the socio-political life of the Cilician Armenian Kingdom, advocating against the expansionist policies of Byzantium and the Vatican.
Literary and Scientific Contributions
Vardapet left a substantial scholarly and literary legacy, authoring over 120 works. His theological interpretations, such as his "Commentary on the Psaltery" and "Commentary on the Song of Songs of Gregory of Narek," provide insights into the worldview of the time.
"Jkhlank" Encyclopedia
His "Jkhlank" is a well-known medieval Armenian encyclopedia that covers a wide range of topics, including nature, celestial bodies, the origins of the plant and animal kingdoms, human psychology, language, and the Armenian alphabet.
"Ashkharatsuyts" Geography
Vardapet's "Ashkharatsuyts" (Geography) is a valuable account of medieval Armenian geography. It provides information on the country's administrative divisions, cities, villages, churches, and cultural traditions.
Grammatical Works
Vardapet authored several grammatical works, including "Commentary on Grammar" and "On the Parts of the Speech." These treatises contribute to the understanding of Armenian syntax and language structure.
"Compilation of History"
Vardapet's magnum opus, "Compilation of History," is a monumental work of Armenian historiography that spans from the legendary construction of the Tower of Babel to the tenure of Armenian Catholicos Kostandin I Bardzraberdci. It incorporates information from Armenian and non-Armenian sources, providing insights into the Mongol invasions and Armenian-Mongol relations.
