Page 169 - THE ARMENIAN CHURCH_Neat

170 The Armenian Church

learning. The first universities in Asia Minor
appeared in Armenia. The monasteries of
Siunik, Sevan, Narek, Sanahin, Datev, Hagh-
bad, Ani, Klatsor, Trazarg, and Sgevra be-
came distinguished centers of learning and
research. They earned a reputation for the
excellence of their academic education, their
libraries, famous intellectuals, teachers, and
outstanding graduates. Their academic cur-
riculum included theology, philosophy, rhe-
toric, astrology, geography, grammar, art,
literature, and the major sciences.
In Cilicia, the monasteries were in con-
stant touch with Europe, appropriating and
adapting western perspectives and values,
methodologies, and disciplines in tune with
the pluralistic environment of Cilicia, while,
at the same time, remaining faithful to the
core values and basic teachings of the Ar-
menian Church. With the fall of the Ar-
menian Kingdom of Cilicia, the monasteries
lost much of their leading role in education
and their educational activities were mainly
confined to theology, the formation of the
clergy, and the preparation of scribes and
artists for the production of manuscripts.

Community schools

Both before the genocide, in the Ottoman
Empire, and afterwards, with the emergence
of a worldwide diaspora, the Armenian
Church's involvement in education gained