The growth and development of the Armenian biblical canon

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Summary

  • The Armenian Bible, known as Asdvadzashounch, means “Breath of God” and is central to the Armenian Apostolic Church’s identity.
  • The translation of the Bible into Armenian was led by St. Mesrop Mashtots in the early 5th century to make God’s Word accessible to all Armenians.
  • The Armenian Old Testament includes additional Deuterocanonical books not found in most Protestant Bibles, enriching its scriptural tradition.
  • The Armenian Church values the Bible as divinely inspired and emphasizes reading it in the context of the Church’s living faith and tradition.

The Breath of God: A Journey into the Heart of the Armenian Bible The Armenian people have a beautiful and powerful name for the Holy Bible: Asdvadzashounch (Աստուածաշունչ). This sacred word means “Breath of God,” a name that captures the deep reverence and love that one of the world’s most ancient Christian communities holds for the Holy Scriptures.¹ This is not just any book; it is a living word, inspired and sustained by God Himself. The Armenian Apostolic Church holds…

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