Mekhitarist Congregation

The Benedictine Congregation of the Mechitarists, an Armenian Catholic monastic order, was founded in 1701 by Abbot Mekhitar of Sebaste. This order is known for scholarly publications of ancient Armenian versions of lost Greek texts and research on the Armenian language. Mekhitar, born in 1676, sought to improve Armenian culture and education under Turkish rule through translation and the establishment of his order.

In 1701, Mekhitar and sixteen companions formed the order in Istanbul. Facing hostilities between Turks and Venetians, they migrated to Venice and were given the island of San Lazzaro in 1717, which remains their headquarters.

A significant schism in 1773 led to the formation of the Armenian Catholic Church and a new Mekhitarist branch, which moved to Vienna in 1837. The order has fifteen establishments in Asia Minor and Europe, with about 150 monks using the Armenian language and rite in the liturgy. These monks make a unique vow to obey the preceptor teaching Catholic Faith doctrines and often commit to missionary work.

The Mekhitarists focus on serving their Armenian brethren through missionary work, education, and the production of Armenian literature and patristic works.