The legend of the meeting of the King Tiridates III of Armenia, St. Gregory the Illuminator, Roman Emperor Constantine I, and Pope Sylvester I is an integral part of Armenian–Roman history. Over the centuries, it has been enriched with various details, sanctified, and completed during the Cilician period in the «Letter of Love and Concord». This event, often the subject of doubt and extensive studies, has also been depicted in various works of art, including miniatures, wall paintings, engravings, and icon paintings.

KeywordsGregory the Illuminator Pope Sylvester I King Tiridates III Emperor Constantine I "Letter of Love and Concord" adoption of Christianity Church San Gregorio Armeno in Naples Rome Isfahan.

The Islamization of the Christians in the Sheki region was intensive from the very beginning of the XVIII century when the weakened Safavid Iran was not able to keep control over the region. There was no longer a force in the region capable to withstand the frequent raids of the North Caucasian tribes who treated the infidels with particular cruelty. The short periods of the Ottoman Empire dominance and Nadir Shah’s rule were also characterized by great destruction caused to the region.

KeywordsSheki Christian Armenian Udi Islamization Church of Aghvank khanate petition.

Sotk village is located in the south-east of Gegharkunik province of the Republic of Armenia. According to Stepanos Orbelyan, the name of the settlement originates from the name of the cold wind blowing from the mountain pass to Sevan. The Armenian identity of medieval Sotk is evidenced not only by about two dozen Armenian medieval written sources, but also by historical monuments in the vicinity of the village – churches, khachkars, Armenian inscriptions. The church of Sotk belonged to the Diocese of the Makenyats Monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which was one of the oldest orders of the Armenian Church.

KeywordsSotk Middle Ages culture Christianity monuments excavations fortress church khachkar inscription princely family.