Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/387

 346 HISTORY OF Alttt£NIA.

templated by Sumbat on tfae old site. While Sumbat was prosecuting this undertaking, the Persians residing in the city, made a represen* tation to Khosrove that the construction of this church would prove injurious to the castle. The king, contrary to their expectations, directed that part of the castle that was threatened by the church, to be broken down,. thus leaving Sumbat uninterrupted in his labour*

When Sumbat perceived that he need fear so further opposition, he built the church in a most magnificent style. Some short time after he had finished this edifice, he was invited by Khosrove to meet him at Ctesiphon in Nineveh* where he died, after having distinguished himself by amazing acts of valour. This event occurred in the eighth year of his prefecture. His remains were interred in Darons in the province of Cog. From this time no Persian prefect was ever sent to Armenia, that power being exercised by dif- ferent Armenians until the period when governors were sent on behalf of the Saracens, or the Caliphs of Damascus. A. D. 601. At the request of the chiefs, David Saharuney

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era 50. was appointed prefect of Armenia, after the death of Sumbat the Bagratian. He built the church of Miren. During his prefecture the monastery of Innaknian was repaired and beautified by its Abbot Thodik. It contained 400monkS| besides

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