The focus of the founder of the Mkhitarist Congregation, Mkhitar Sebastatsi (1676–1749) and his disciples was the Armenian language, and it was exactly in this field of study that they achieved unprecedented success. It is well known that both prominent Armenologists of the time and Sebastatsi himself were primarily interested in Grabar (Classical Armenian), whereas Ashkharhabar (Modern Armenian) remained largely outside the scope of their attention. Nevertheless, Sebastatsi authored the first grammar of the emerging Western Armenian language, in which he advocated for its purification and standardization, simultaneously calling for the elimination of Latinisms from Grabar.

Keywords Mkhitar Sebastatsi Mkhitarist Congregation Grabar Ashkharhabar dictionary lexicography Western Armenian grammar abbot Catholics.