“Jambr” (Kat՚oghikos Simeon of Erevan), Introd. & Annot. Transl. George A. Bournoutian (softcover)

Catholicos Simeon Yerevantsi (r. 1763-1780) reorganized the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, restored its spiritual authority, and increased its wealth and political influence. In 1771, Catholicos Simeon not only established the first ever printing press in Armenia at Etchmiadzin, but built a paper mill as well. In addition, he also wrote several religious and historical works and prepared a Church calendar.

After assuming the leadership of the Church, Simeon gathered all the documents and manuscripts stored at the archives of Etchmiadzin, and after examining them wrote Jambr (from Chambre, Simeon’s term for “archival chamber”). Jambr begins with the history and apostolic origins of the Armenian Church and the construction of the Holy See of Echmiadzin. It describes the move of the Holy See from its original site to other locations, because of invasions and other events, and its final return from Cilicia to Etchmiadzin in 1441. After detailing the lives of several of his predecessors, Simeon, citing the numerous deeds for land and other immovable properties, explains the jurisdiction of Etchmiadzin and lists the Armenian monasteries in the Yerevan region. Jambr is one of the most important primary sources on the history of the Armenian Church, as well as the history of Armenia under Muslim rule.