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Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi

845 – 925

Catholicos of Armenia

HistoriographerChristian minister
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About Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi

Lived 845 – 925 (aged 79–80). Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi was a historiographer and christian minister.

Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi (, John of Drasxanakert, various spellings exist), also called John V the Historian, was Catholicos of Armenia from 897 to 925, and a noted chronicler and historian. He is known for his History of Armenia. He is also the author of a list of Armenian Catholicoi titled Shar Hayrapetatsʻn Hayotsʻ.

What little is known about Catholicos Hovhannes's life comes from his own written works. He gives his own birthplace as Draskhkert (Draskhanakert), which has been variously identified with modern Ashtarak or placed near the historical canton of Shirak in Ayrarat province (later medieval Armenian historians claimed he was from Garni or Dvin). The Catholicos played an important role in the consolidation of Bagratid Armenia. He often tried to play the role of peacemaker between Ashot II and his rebellious vassals and frequently went on diplomatic missions to Armenia's neighbors.

After returning the Catholicosate to Dvin since it had been reclaimed from the Arabs, he moved it again to Vaspurakan around 924, fleeing the Sajid army. There he spent the last years of his life. According to local traditions, Hovhannes was buried in Vaspurakan at either Dzoroy Vank or in the monastery of Akhtamar.

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Important facts

Born
845, Ancient Draskhanakert
Birth century
Died
925, Vaspurakan
Occupation
Historiographer, Christian minister
Education
Sevanavank
Positions held
Catholicos of All Armenians
Also known as
John V the Historian

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi?

Catholicos of Armenia

When was Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi born?

Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi was born in 845 in Ancient Draskhanakert.

When did Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi die?

Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi died in 925 in Vaspurakan.

What was Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi's occupation?

Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi was a historiographer and christian minister.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi

· Wikidata: Q2363685

· DBpedia: Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi. https://biography.guide/hovhannes-draskhanakerttsi/

MLA: "Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/hovhannes-draskhanakerttsi/.

Chicago: "Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/hovhannes-draskhanakerttsi/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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