Holy Translation
October 10 @ 10:30 am – October 11 @ 12:30 pm
The Holy Translators: Guardians of Armenian Culture
October 11–13 is a significant celebration in Armenian culture, honoring the Holy Translators, a group of saints who played a crucial role in shaping Armenian identity. This group includes Sahag the Parthian, Mesrob Mashdots, Yeghishe Vartabed, Movses the Anghaght, David the Invincible, Gregory of Narek, and Nersess Shnorhali of Hromgla.
The Armenian term tarkmanich goes far beyond the simple English word “translator.” It also means commentator, writer, historian, poet, philosopher, and intellectual. The Holy Translators were therefore not only translators but also educators, thinkers, and cultural leaders.
Their mission began in 405 A.D. when Mesrob Mashdots, inspired by God and supported by Catholicos Sahag, created the Armenian alphabet. The primary goal was to translate the Holy Scriptures into Armenian. However, this effort sparked a cultural renaissance, leading to the establishment of schools, education for a new generation, and the spread of knowledge and faith throughout Armenia and beyond.
The Holy Translators are celebrated not just for their translations, but for their enduring impact on Armenian culture, language, education, and spiritual life.