And on their return the messengers went up to Jerusalem to see our Saviour Christ, having heard of His wonderful deeds. And when they had seen Him with their own eyes they returned and told Abgar; at which the king marvelled, and believed Him to be the very Son of God. And because His body was tormented with a painful disease contracted in the land of Persia seven years before, and he was not able to find any cure by men, he sent unto Him a letter asking Him to come and heal him of his disease. The Letter of Abgarus to our Saviour Jesus Christ. “Abgarus, a prince of the world, unto Jesus, the Saviour and Benefactor, Who hast appeared in the City of Jerusalem, greetings. “I have heard of Thee and of the healings wrought by Thy hands, without drugs and without roots; for it is said that Thou givest sight to the blind, Thou makest the lame to walk, and Thou cleansest the lepers; Thou curest those who have been long tormented by diseases, and raisest even the dead. And when I heard all this concerning Thee I thought that either Thou art God come down from Heaven that workest these things, or the Son of God. I have written unto Thee that Thou shouldest trouble Thyself to come unto me, and heal me of my disease. I have heard also that the Jews murmur against Thee, and think to torture Thee. My city is a small one, but it is beautiful, and it is sufficient for us twain.” And taking the letter they found Him in Jerusalem. And unto this the gospel beareth witness, saying: “There were some amongst the heathen that came up to Him.” But our Saviour did not undertake to come at the time when they called Him, but made Abgarus worthy of a letter thus. The Answer to the Letter of Abgarus, written at the command of our Saviour by the Apostle Thomas. “Blessed is he who believeth on Me though he hath not seen Me. For it is written concerning Me thus: ‘They that have seen Me believed not on Me, but they that have not seen Me shall believe and live.’ And concerning that which thou hast written unto Me to come down unto thee, it is needful that I fulfil all that for which I was sent; and when I have fulfilled it I will ascend unto Him that sent Me. And after My ascension I will send one of My disciples, who shall heal thee of thy disease, and give Life unto thee and unto all them that are with thee.” This letter did Anan the messenger bring unto Abgarus, with the Image of the Saviour, which remaineth in the city of Edessa until this day. ARAXES CAME DEVOURINGLY By HOVHANNES HOVHANNESSIAN Araxes came devouringly, Swept o’er her boulders scouringly— Where shall I lay my aching head Bowed down with grief o’erpoweringly? Oh my Araxes, flow serene;— Tell me, hast thou my sweet love seen? My heart’s desire is unfulfilled;— Arax, hast thou more happy been? Mount Ararat with clouds is veiled, My love is lost, my hope has failed. For pity’s sake an answer give To my sad heart with grief assailed.