The Catholicoses of Armenia played a great role in the creation and development of Armenian manuscripts and printed books, being patrons, recipients and many of them even scribes. Therefore, for a comprehensive assessment of their work, as well as for the study of the history of the Armenian book, it is important to present this area of their activity. In this regard, the activity of Catholicos Grigor II Vkayaser (the Martyrophile, 1066-1105) is noteworthy as he played a great role in translation of hagiographic literature.

KeywordsArmenian manuscript Catholicos the manuscript heritage of Catholicoses Grigor II Vkayaser colophon Armenian literature catalogue of manuscripts.

The comparative analysis of the manuscript sources allows us to outline the general path of development of manuscript number 3917 kept in the Matenadaran after M. Mashtots; it contains the “Interpretation of Grammar” by Grigor Magistros (990–1058) and presents the scientific and educational environment in which this grammatical work was spread. As a result of the research, it becomes clear, that the “Interpretation” by Magistros was used in Tatev and Sarkavagants Monasteries. In the 15th century, when the interpretations of Hovhannes Yerznkatsi, Hovhannes Tsortsoretsi, and Vardan Areveltsi were created, Grigor Tatevatsi handed over the original of the “Grammar” by Magistros to his student Archimandrite Hovhannes Karmir from Kapan to circulate in the Sarkavagants Monastery.

KeywordsGrigor Magistros “Interpretation of Grammar” manuscript colophon Grigor Tatevatsi Archimandrite Hovhannes Tatev Monastery Deacon Monastery library writing center.