MESROP MASHTOTS Teacher of All Armenians

Mesrop Mashtots (361-c. 440 CE) is the inventor of the Armenian alphabet and the first teacher of Armenians.

Mashtots traveled a lot by studying existing languages and science, and after extensive research in 405 CE., he introduced the Armenian letters. This incredible invention marked the beginning of the Armenian educational and cultural awakening in the 5th century: Mashtots founded schools and established monasteries which became centers of learning, writing, and science. He was the original Google and Wikipedia all rolled into one!

His message to Armenians was summed up in the first written sentence in Armenian “To recognize wisdom and guidance; to know the creations of the greats.”

The Armenian alphabet made it possible to record centuries-old Armenian folklore, novels, and songs and create new literature.

The alphabet initially had 36 letters. Later three more letters were adapted to accommodate foreign words.

The historical mission of Saint Mesrop Mashtots played a crucial role in preserving national identity, culture, and spirit when Armenia was divided between two countries, and people were in danger of losing their identity.

INFO: One of the oldest and largest collections of ancient manuscripts and books globally is the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, commonly referred to as the Matenadaran in Yerevan, Armenia. You can visit this amazing library when you travel to Yerevan with your family!

Art Piece by prominent Armenian painter and sculptor Yervand Kochar