Armenian Institute of Ancient Manuscripts gets first-ever printed Armenian language Bible

The Bible by Voskan Yerevantsi, a volume of unique value, was printed in 1666 in Amsterdam. This stunning sample of book art has for years been part of a private collection.
 
It is thanks to the donation made by VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian that the unique Armenian-language Bible has been presented to Matenadaran.

The volume is of great historical and cultural importance. Voskan Yerevantsi had presented it to Catholicos Hakob Jughayetsi, originator of Armenian typography. In 1668 the Bible was decorated with a silver cover, a unique example of Armenian iconic art.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that Matenadaran has the same symbolic importance Armenians as Mount Ararat has. Armenians have expressed their pain through music, art and prayer thus preserving their culture, says Mr. Yirikian.