254 HISTOl^T OF ARMENIA^
��with death, without a previous reference to Damascus. The rulers of the Grecian part of Armema, appointed by the emperor, were also styled Prefects ; so that we have designated this fifth book, thg government of the Prefects.
��CHAPTER L
��The prefecture of Vehmihrshapuh^ and the illegal pontificates ofSurmak^ JSurkishow and Shimuel, and the pontificate of Joseph.
A.D.428. Vehmihrshapuh, the Persian, was the first prefect that governed Af nienia, being appointed by Viram, the Persian monarch, when the latter decided on the extinction of royalty in that nation. He was a prudent and well disposed man, and governed the country with justice for a period of thirteen years. Let us now cast an eye on the state of the church.
Surmak, a priest from the city of Arzkey, in the province of Buznunia, at the request of the chiefs, was appointed by Viram to succeed the imprisoned St. Isaac in the pontifical chair. This individual having conducted himself im« properly, was soon expelled by the chiefs from the government of the Armenian church, after possessing it for the short period of one year. On his expulsion he retired to his province, where
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