Council of Shahpavian (444 AD)

The Council of Shahapivan is the first surviving council of the Armenian Church, and has survived in various ecclesiastical sources. Convened in the year 444, after three consecutive councils in the city of Ashtishat, the Armenian clergy under Catholicos Hovsep I met in the township of Shahapivan (province of Ayrarat). Among those present was the governor, Vasak Siuni, and General Commander of the Army, Vartan Mamikonian. The purpose of the council was audit the functions of the clergy, and prohibit activities endangering the authority and integrity of the newly-established church.