Abstract

This paper aims to show that late ancient and medieval Armenian theology developed a peculiar reflection on the Eucharist and its symbolism, by building on Greek Patristic thought and Greek philosophy, as well as on Latin Scholasticism, especially in the late Middle Ages. The paper will examine how the mystery of the Eucharist was interpreted and explained by authors such as Yovhan Mandakuni, Yovhannēs Ōjnec‘i, Nersēs Lambrōnac‘i and Grigor Tat‘ewac‘i, according to four main hermeneutical paradigms. It will also offer some marginal and preliminary considerations on the extent to which theological elaborations on the concept of Holy Communion and sacrifice influenced late medieval and modern religious and non-religious Armenian poetry.