Chapter IV: The Conversion of the Armenians 65

The Religious Condition of the World at the Time of Christ’s Birth--Christianity Carried to Armenia by Three of the Apostles--An Early Tradition of the Armenian Church--The King’s Decree that “Henceforth the Religion of Christ is the Religion of Armenia”--St. Gregory, “The Illuminator,” Ordained Bishop of Armenia--Idol Temples Pulled Down--Christian Training and Literatures--Translation of Old and New Testaments--Persian Oppression and Armenian Loyalty and Bravery--A Desperate Struggle--Address of the Armenian Commander-in-Chief--The Army of the Holy League--A Desertion--Confusion and Discouragement--A Hymn of High Resolve--Persian Conquest and Oppression--Armenian Faithfulness to Principle--Terms of Peace Leading to an Edict of Toleration--A Period of Tranquillity.