History of Armenia, by Father Michael Chamich; from B. C. 2247 to ...

380 HISTORY OF ARMENIA.
Iev3nng taxes and inflicting- fines which were
appropriated to their own private advantage.
The Armenians who had been sent
captive to Damascus by Cashm, on the latter's
removal irom his lioveinment, petitioned
Omar tha Caliph to liberate them, whicli he
ordered to be done, beinj^ a man of a verycompassionate
heart. Thev then returned to
Armenia. Jusr. at this period I'lliah the pontiff
died, afLer luling the Armenian charch fou teen
A. D 718. years and a hilf. He was sncr^eeded by Joera
167. hanncs the l-ourth, surnamed the philosopher,
from the village of Ozun in the province of
Ta-!iiis. Johan es from his infancy had been
under the care of the celebrated and learned
monk Theodorus, surnaraeJ Kurthenavor, whoinstructed
him in
was then known in Armenia.
every art and science which
On his attaininomanhood
he became so celebrated in consequence
of the variety of his talents and the
perfection to which he carrier] them, that he was
universally denominated the philosopher or sage.
In manners he w;:s extremely pleasing, and
in the cpialities of his heart unequalled : generous,
candiii, and peaceful, he won all
hearts.
In person he was tall and well shaped, with
an extremely commanding air and remarkably
beautiful features. He always wore under his
Tobes and next his skin, a dress of extremely