Treasuries are a form of Armenian medieval musical manuscripts that summarise both Treasuries and Odes. Occasionally, there are separate collections that focus solely on Treasuries or solely on Odes. These Treasuries represent a unique expression of the Armenian medieval monastic lifestyle. They consist of extensive texts that are the most substantial spiritual hymns, summarising the
The Festive Homiliary Ms 4670 is considered to be one of the largest paper manuscripts (815 folios) housed in the Matenadaran. This manuscript was copied in 1401 in the city of Vostan (Vaspurakan), by the prolific scribe and artist of the time Tserun, with the monk Stepanos as the commissioner and the priest Sargis as
The Mashtots is one of the most significant ritual books of the Armenian Church, containing the guidelines for various ceremonial practices. It was compiled in the 5th century at the behest of Catholicos Sahak Partev and was titled The Blessing List. According to the historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi, in the 9th century, Catholicos Mashtots Yeghivardetsi edited
The Gospel of Okhu is a manuscript with a story of mysterious survival. It is kept in Matenadaran and features luxurious miniature decorations. This manuscript represents a significant example of Armenian miniature painting, with rich imagery and more than 30 miniatures per page. It includes canonical evangelical and non-canonical scenes, images of the four evangelists,
The manuscript was commissioned by was copied by Simeon vardapet in 1471 in Jerusalem. It was taken to Western Armenia and kept in St. Kevork church (St. George) in the village of Godarich in Charsanjak district. The manuscript is enclosed in a double silver binding, depicting the crucifixion of Christ on the front cover and
It was copied in 989 in St. Stepanos Church of Bgheno Noravank by order of priest Stepanos, by Hovhannes the scribe. Originally named “the famous gospel of St. Nakhavka of Magharda,” it was later renamed “Gospel of Etchmiadzin” after moving to Etchmiadzin. The Gospel is known for its different writings, artistic decoration, ten tables, five
The collection of the Mashtots Matenadaran has been replenished with another Gospel copied by elder priest Hovhannes. The manuscript was written in 1454, in the village of Mzuk, Motkan district of Sassoon, Bagesh (Bitlis) province, which was the center of Armenian writing culture in the Middle Ages. The name of the illuminator is unknown. The
The Gospel of Charsanjak is believed to have healing properties and supernatural power. The manuscript was copied in 1471 in Jerusalem and called “miraculous,” “magician,” and “amulet”. It was then taken to Western Armenia and kept in St. Gevorg church, located in the village of Godarich in Charsanjak district. The manuscript, depicted with a silver
Scribe and painter: Elder priest Nikoghos Melanavor The Crimean school is one of the prominent centers of Armenian miniature painting. Even following the fall of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, a substantial Armenian population migrated to Crimea (particularly at the end of the 14th century), carrying with them also manuscripts. In Crimea, Armenian miniaturists began
Painter: Arakel Geghametsi Arakel Geghametsi, born into the esteemed “Great Arghutetsi family” and active in the Tvanch Desert of Karin and Vayots Dzor, stands out as a prominent figure in Armenian miniature painting from the late Middle Ages. His miniatures are notable for their distinctive original iconography, featuring a variety of uncommon household details, ornate
