Storia do Mogor 351.2

351.2

The Papist missionaries endeavoured in various ways to convert the Gregorian Armenians to Romanism, such as by monetary aid to the needy, specious persuasion, or by receiving sympathetically and kindly those who had incurred the rebuke of their spiritual superiors. The prelates of Julpha, on the other hand, strove to prevent their progress by vigorous opposition, either by invoking the aid of Government authority, or by the exercise of their own episcopal power. This hostile activity has remained unextinguished until this day. The Papists labour incessantly to sow dissension in the Armenian Church, whilst the guardians of the Gregorian community endeavour by every means in their power to protect their flock from the wiles of these strangers. The smouldering hostility between the Gregorians and the Papists was first blown into flame in the reign of Shãh Sulaimãn (1667-1694) in the year 1688. Jesuit fathers had come to Isphahan, and had founded the church which is called the Jesuit Church. They opened schools in Julpha for the education of children, and began to preach after their fashion, and endeavoured to win over the people. At this time the Prelate of the Convent of the Universal Saviour was Bishop Stephannos, who was possessed with an implacable hatred against the Papists. In championing the cause of his people he brought great tribulation upon the Jesuit preachers.