In the VIII-IX centuries, feudal landownership, which constituted the economic basis of the Armenian Church, underwent structural changes. Newly built monasteries form their infrastructure and acquire large plots of land. In the context of interfaith disputes and attacks from Islam, the church strengthens its theoretical foundations and creates its own legislation. A clear definition of the ritual-religious and theological principles of the Armenian Church contributes to the development of awareness of national and religious identity.

KeywordsArmenian church Arab rulers monastery religious persecution Bagarat Bagratuni David II Kakaghetsi Hovhannes IV Ovaetsi Mutavaqqil apostasy rebellion Tondrakian movement martyrdom.