1840.] the Armenian Legislator. 971 



their purses unstrung, and, with a spirit of true patriotism, bestow this 

 posthumous work of their renowned legislator of the twelfth century, 

 as an invaluable boon on their expatriated countrymen of British 

 India. 



But to return to the immediate subject of this brief memoir. In 

 almost all national meetings, and in all synodical proceedings, Mechi- 

 thar Ghosh took a willing and active part. He was present in the 

 grand council, convened in 1178, at Hiromclah,(*^) having for its object 

 the formation of a union between the Armenian and Greek churches. 

 His presence was also considered to be indispensably necessary in the 

 two synods, respectively assembled at Lori and Ani, in the province of 

 Shirak, between the years 1205 and 1207, for the express purpose of 

 reconciling differences and dissensions, provoked by uneasy and turbulent 

 spirits. He was desired by a particular invitation, bearing the signa- 

 tures of the principal ecclesiastical dignitaries, to favour them with his 

 attendance. He attended the council of Lori, but sent an apology 

 for his inability to be present in the synod of Ani. Advanced age, 

 aggravated by bodily infirmities, was the unavoidable cause of his ab- 

 sence from that assembly. He sent, however, his vote in writing, 

 expressive of his acquiescence in the proceedings of the majority of 

 the meeting. Not quite contented with this, and unsuccessful in 

 bringing the affairs of the meeting to a satisfactory termination, the 

 assembled Bishops persuaded Mechithar Ghosh, by repeating their soli- 

 citations in writing, to honour the assembly with his presence. The 

 meeting stood adjourned, waiting his arrival with no small degree of 

 anxiety. " Hasten," said they in their letter, " to our succour, for we 

 are sadly divided ; and the division cannot be healed but by a sweet 

 word from your lips. Your apology for your advanced age and bodily 

 infirmities, is inadmissible. Should you be visited by death on your 

 journey hither, we shall hold your memory in reverence by a suitable 

 and lasting monument, worthy of the public virtues of the best of 

 our divines. Only hasten to our succour !" Mechithar Ghosh complied 

 with their wishes, however fatiguing and wearisome the journey to 

 a valetudinarian of his age and description. His presence at the assem- 



(>5) Z,n.ndlnu0j in Armenian. The etymological signification of Hiromclah is the 

 castle of Rome. It was an impregnable fortress in the twelfth century, and belonged 

 to the Count of Jocelyn during the days of the Crusaders. 



6n 



