Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/279

 236 HlSTOIiy of ARMBTN'iA.

in all things obedient to the Persians, in consc* quence of which his reign was mariced with great tranquillity. A year previous to this, Isaac, the Armenian generalissimo died, and St. Isaac solicited Viramshapuh to confer this appointment on his son-in-law Hamazasp, which was done. The pontiff then, having obtained fincim Viram- shapuh a letter to Artashir, proceeded with it to Persia, to request that monarch to confirm Hamazasp in his new dignity. Here he Was much honoured and esteemed for his meek- ness and humility, and Artashir granted his isuit. Hamazasp was of the race of the Mami- conians. The king established by a decree, that this tribe should be the fifth in rank and dignity amongst the nobles of Armenia, and sent a letter by St. Isaac to Viramshapuh notifying his will. When Viramshapuh received it he acted accord- ing to the desires of the Persian sovereign.

A. D. 393. Some time after, Artashir died, and was suc- ceeded by Viramcurmanshah, who distinguished the Armenians by particular favours. Conceiving a friendship for Viram[shapuh, he set at liberty his brother Khosrove, who was this moment in chains in the castle of Oblivion ; the latter was thenceforward supported in ease and affluence.

A. D. 395. When Armenia began tobealittle tranquilliwd after the violent convulsion she had experienced, St. Isaac commenced repairing the churches

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