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On February 12, 2026, the Central Bank of Armenia puts into circulation the “350th birth anniversary of Mekhitar of Sebaste” silver collector coin. 

Collector coin dedicated to the 350th birth anniversary of Mekhitar of Sebaste

MEKHITAR OF SEBASTE (1676–1749), Vardapet of the Armenian Church, founder of the Mekhitarist Congregation, a social, scientific, and cultural figure.

Mekhitar of Sebaste was born in Sebastia. In 1685–1691 he studied in the local Monastery of St. Nshan (Holy Sign), then, in 1691–1692 continued his study in the monasteries of Etchmiadzin, Sevan and Karin.

In the Monastery of St. Nshan, he was ordained a deacon in 1691, and a hieromonk in 1696. In 1699, he was awarded a Vardapet academic degree in the Karmir Monastery in Karin.

In 1700, Mekhitar of Sebaste founded a monastic order in Constantinople. In 1702, he settled in the fortified city of Modon (Peloponnese peninsula) controlled by Venice, and initiated the construction of a monastery. In 1712, he received approval of the order’s (Congregation’s) statute from Rome.

Fleeing from the Turkish attacks, in 1715, the Congregation moved to Venice, and then, in 1717, with the permission of the Senate of Venice, settled on the island of San Lazzaro. There, Mekhitar of Sebaste built a monastery complex, trained monks and was engaged in publishing activities. Among his major achievements were the publication of the Bible in 1733 and the monumental two-volume Explanatory Dictionary of the Armenian Language (1749–1769) containing interpretation of 100 thousand words.

After Mekhitar of Sebaste’s death, the Congregation was named Mekhitarist in his honor.

Obverse: the coat of arms of the Mekhitarist Congregation, depiction of the Godmother, images of angels and ornaments from the book Explanatory Dictionary of the Armenian Language by Mekhitar of Sebaste.
Reverse: the mosaic portrait of Mekhitar of Sebaste.

Designer: Lusine Lalayan.
The coin is minted at the Royal Dutch Mint.

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