His Synodal discourse with English translation and annotations.
THE SECOND MILLENNIUM of the Christian era brought with it important developments in the history of the Armenian Church and nation. Together with a cultural awakening which accompanied the growth of centers of higher learning in the eastern provinces of Armenia came the blow of Seljuk invasions. The Armenian Kingdom in Armenia proper had been treacherously put to an end by the Byzantine Empire, life in Armenia became unsupportable, and several princes began to move towards the west, to the more secure provinces of the Byzantine Empire, especially Cilicia. Some of these princes gained military strength and one of them, Ruben, succeeded in establishing an independent principality in A.D. 1088. The newly formed state initiated relations with the West and the Crusaders. This westward orientation expressed itself in the ecumenical relations of the Armenian Church with the Byzantine Empire and the Roman Catholic Church. This contact was foremost fruitful for those who were in touch with the monasteries of the Black Mountains. A new awakening in Biblical studies, hagiography, and theology developed. New insights were gamed. The notable product of this period is a person: St. Nerses of Lambron.
At the age of 22 he became a bishop, and two years later, took part in the synod of the Armenian Church which was convened to discuss the union of the Greek and Armenian churches. We owe to him the Book of Correspondence of that synod. He was the youngest bishop there, respected by some, looked upon with suspicion by others. The synod was the result of several years of negotiations between the Greeks and the Armenians, which in its turn, is a part of the endeavors of Emperor Manuel's efforts for the unity of the Eastern Church with the papacy.