The Armenians, whose kingdom once reached the Euphrates and Tigris, both the Black and Caspian Seas, and had their northern border at Tiflis, lost their sovereign identity in 428.
It is possible to decisively connect the era of the decline of the Armenian Kingdom with the fall of the Arsacid dynasty. The power of the Bagratid and Rubenid dynasties was only a shadow of the grandeur of former Armenia.
Only a small part of the state was under their rule, and incessant feuds and external wars tormented the fragmented parts of the country. With the death of Levon VI in Paris at the end of the 14th century, this last flickering of the decaying independence disappeared. A deep night of slavery came to Armenia conquered by the power of Mohammedans, the enemies of Christians.
The preservation of Christianity by the Armenians for so many centuries is strange, surprising, and honorable. Their commitment to their religion despite oppressions and attempts to motivate them is worth the greatest respect.
In this regard, they were above the blows of fate. Despite having lost their independence, they retained and even increased their influence in eastern regions in regard to trade.
With the knowledge of localities, different methods, extreme patience, and the immensity of their capitals, the Armenians made their rulers into their slaves so skillfully that they didn’t even become aware of losing control. Thinking that they act in accordance with their own will, the former rulers started to dance to the Armenians’ tune.
At a superficial glance, the Armenians were in the most miserable, cramped position, but a deeper philosophical study shows that they were the rulers of East as before.
This strange, almost unbelievable event shows the sophisticated and resourceful mind of the Armenians. The need to hide their wealth from the greed of their rulers and the diplomatic war against them has made the Armenians secretive, which is one of the modern aspects of their character. It is so deeply rooted in their habits that they continue to be cagey despite the political freedom they have under Russia.
The religious integrity of Armenia remains inviolable and Etchmiadzin still is the spiritual center of the Armenian people, although they are scattered all over the world.
source: vstrokax.net
