YEREVAN — For centuries, the Gospel of Shurishkan has been a symbol of hope, healing, and the fulfillment of wishes for many. Today, it is one of the rare treasures housed in the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran.
In an interview with Armenpress, Gayane Khachatryan, Senior Manuscript Keeper at Matenadaran, noted that the Gospel of Shurishkan enjoys great renown and is widely known as a miraculous and healing gospel.
The manuscript was written and illustrated in 1498 in the village of Aspisnak, located in the Kajberunik district of the Vaspurakan province. It was created by Priest Barsegh. For more than 520 years, this gospel has withstood the test of time, spending approximately three and a half centuries in the village of Shurishkan in Persia’s Peria province.
“The gospel consists of 322 pages, written in beautifully executed Bolorgir script. It is illuminated with miniatures, including three portraits of the evangelists, ornamental title pages, and intricate decorations,” said Khachatryan.
A significant historical feature of the manuscript is its extensive colophon, written by the author, which provides valuable insight into the challenging and turbulent period in which it was created.
According to centuries-old accounts, the Armenian people have long believed in the sacred power of the gospel, attributing their ability to overcome hardships to its divine protection.
Khachatryan further explained that the gospel’s reputation extended beyond the Armenian community, earning reverence among foreigners as well. Many draw parallels between the fate of the Armenian people and that of the manuscript itself. Originally written in Vaspurakan, the gospel was taken to Persia before eventually returning to Armenia.
Given its significance, the Gospel of Shurishkan has been ceremoniously taken to the St. Gevorg Church in the village of Mughni, Ashtarak, for a single day each year since 2002. However, this year, thanks to Matenadaran’s exclusive exhibition, devoted visitors will have a rare opportunity to view the gospel from March 10 for an entire month.
