According to tradition, the Shuriskhan Gospel, also known as the “Grandfather,” “Red Gospel,” and “Saint Basil of Caesarea,” was written in 1498 in the village of Aspisnak, located in the Kajberunik province of Van. The commissioner of this work was Prince Turuand, while the scribe was Priest Barsegh. During the Armenian exodus in 1603-1604, the Gospel was moved from the Shuriskhan village in the Peria province to the Saint Basil of Caesarea monastery. To be protected from potential dangers, it was buried in the ground.  

After some time, a spring emerged from the hiding place, forming a pond. The Holy Book was brought back to light only seven years later, remaining almost unharmed, thanks to divine power.

After three and a half centuries of wandering, the Shuriskhan Gospel found its home in Matenadaran in 1973, courtesy of the donation from the repatriated Nerses and Mattheos Tsarukyans. Thus, the light and power radiating from this remarkable example of medieval culture continue to be passed down through generations.

The only place where one can connect with the Holy Gospel and derive its power is at Matenadaran.