St. Hovhan Odznetsi

HOVHAN ODZNETSI

Hovhan Odznetsi (St. John of Otzoon) was catholicos from 717 to 728, which was a period when Armenia was under Arab rule. He defended Armenians from forced conversion and was successful in securing the right of worship for Armenian Christians. He was also successful in receiving tax-exempt status for the church. He received the title of philosopher and was educated in the Hellenic school of thought. He was highly admired and respected.