186 
MONASTERY OF EITCH-MAI-ADZEN. 
fore, how the author in question fell into so very erroneous a 
mis-statement, I can form no guess. 
I had reached the monastery, about three o’clock, P. M., it 
being about twenty wersts from our Turkish lodging of the 
night before. Having had letters for the Patriarch, from the 
Armenian bishop at Tiflis, I was prepared for a polite reception; 
but that I received was the kindest possible. From the mo¬ 
ment of my entering the walls, I ceased to be a stranger, and 
might have commanded, as in my own home, had orders from 
myself been necessary for the comfortable adjustment of my 
party. But every thing was anticipated ; and I had only to 
enjoy my own good quarters, after a fatiguing march of eight 
days ; with the additional zest, afforded by the society of the intel¬ 
ligent, and amiable brotherhood of the Three Churches : Eitch- 
mai-adzen, or Utchkilissia, which latter appellation means the 
Three Churches, being the names of this extensive establishment. 
The patriarch Epheme is a venerable man, about seventy 
years of age ; but unimpaired health, and a serene countenance, 
give him a much younger appearance. He has a high reput¬ 
ation for learning and piety ; and enhances the value of both, by 
much of the useful sort of knowledge which can only be gained in 
the world at large. He has travelled over the chief countries of 
Asia; and passed some time at Calcutta, during the government 
of Earl Cornwallis. The situation he fills, is that of head over 
all the religious institutions of the Armenian church, in whatever 
parts of the globe they may be found. He is elected by a con¬ 
vocation of monks from the different monasteries: their assem¬ 
bly is called the Synod of Cardinals; and they select the 
demanded patriarch, from amongst the most venerated bishops 
of the church. He holds this supreme dignity, till death, the 
