15th-century Gospel stolen from village shrine in Armenia

Armenian authorities are investigating the theft of a 15th-century Gospel from a small village shrine in Ararat Province.

According to reports, a masked intruder wearing gloves broke into a private property in the village of Taperakan before entering the modest shrine and stealing the sacred manuscript. The shrine has long been a site of pilgrimage, attracting thousands of visitors.

The theft was reported immediately to the police, but no arrests have been made yet.

The Matenadaran, Armenia’s repository of ancient manuscripts, issued a statement condemning the theft and calling for improved protection of privately held and community-owned manuscripts. The institution reiterated its readiness to accept manuscripts for temporary safekeeping or as donations, emphasizing that all items would be stored under legally binding agreements safeguarding ownership rights.

The Matenadaran also expressed concern that, while efforts to repatriate Armenian spiritual treasures from around the world continue, valuable historical manuscripts are still being stolen within the country.