Feast of the “Translation of the Holy Bible into Armenian”, October 9, 2021

The below is also available in Arabic.

On October 9, 2021, the Armenian Church celebrates the feast of the “Translation of the Holy Bible into Armenian”. What does this feast symbolize? and what are the meanings behind it?

The creation of the Armenian Alphabet is a pivotal moment in Armenian history, because it is the main element that kept the Armenian Identity alive. Many historical events lead to it. Armenia has always been under occupations/foreign influences. Accepting Christianity as a state religion in 301 can be considered a step towards that, and the invention of the Armenian alphabet in around 406 is another step.

The first thing our clever forefathers thought about following the alphabet was translating. The first book to be translated is the Holy Bible. The first sentence is Ճանաչել զիմաստութիւն եւ զխրատ, իմանալ զբանս հանճարոյ, meaning “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding.” (Proverbs 1:2). The sentence they say was translated by St. Meshtob Mashdots himself (the founder of the Alphabet).

We call the 5th century of Armenia as Golden Century, since an extensive active period of enlightenment began. The basic books of Christian doctrine, the Old and New Testaments and the works of ancient philosophers were translated, history was written in Armenian and religious poetry thrived. 

Traditionally, Armenians celebrate the feast with a Divine Liturgy in Armenian Churches all over the world. As for the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Lebanon, the academic year at the Armenian Theological Seminary begins on this day. Armenian Schools also mark the feast. Students recite poems, sing songs, write essays dedicated to the feast. Even Armenian newspapers publish articles about it.

Communication and Public Relations Department