Isaac of Armenia, born on September twenty-ninth in the year three hundred forty-eight, served as the catholicos of the Armenian Church from approximately three hundred eighty-seven until around four hundred thirty-eight. His tenure marked a significant period in the history of the Armenian Church, as he was the last patriarch directly descended from Gregory the Illuminator, the revered figure who introduced Christianity to the Kingdom of Armenia in the early fourth century.
Known also as Isaac the Great or Sahak the Parthian, a nod to his father's Parthian heritage, Isaac played a pivotal role in the development of the Armenian Christian identity. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to the cultural and spiritual growth of the Armenian people, particularly through the support of Mesrop Mashtots in the creation of the Armenian alphabet.
Isaac's contributions extended beyond linguistic advancements; he was actively involved in the translation of the Bible into Armenian, ensuring that the sacred texts were accessible to his community. This endeavor not only enriched the Armenian language but also fortified the faith of the Armenian people during a time of significant religious transformation.