Page:The History of Armenia - Avdall - Volume 1.djvu/440

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follow rebellions, and with great humanity re- gretted the effusion of human blood which the blamable conduct of the rebel chiefs had caused.

David the pontiff, then interceded with the governor in behalf of the surviving chiefs of the revolt^ and succeeded in effecting a reconcilia* tion between them and him ; he also obtained permission to inter the remains of the ill-fated chiefs of the Seunies. The son of the latter, Gregory, surnamed Supan, never ceased mourn- ing the untimely death of his father, although, by that event he had became chief of his race. In this age three Armenians were elected, at different periods, to the imperial throne of the Greeks. Two of them, Vardan and Arshavir, only held that high post for a few days. The other, Levond an Arzrunian, reigned seven years. Not long after this period prince Manuel, of the tribe of the Mamiconians, greatly distinguished himself at the court of the emperor by un- daunted valour and skill in war.

During the life of this Armenian worthy, the pontiff David died, having presided over the church twenty-seven years. He was succeeded aJaia^^' by Johannes the Fifth, from the village of Vikais •^^^ in the province of Cotais, a good and humble character, delighting in the service of God, and living according to the most rigid rules of

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