... Immediately after the conclusion of the war between the Greeks and Saracens, Nierses the pontiff, surnamed the Architect, died, after having enjoyed the dignity twenty years and nine months.  He was succeeded in the pontificate by Anastas from the village of Arcurey, which lies at the foot of Mount Ararat.  Anastas built a convent and church in his native place, and near it erected several inns and hospitals for the benefit of the poor.  This pontiff set about improving the Armenian calendar, assisted by Ananias Shirakensis, but was prevented finishing his laudable work by the hand of death, which cut him off in the sixth year of his pontificate.  His successor was Israel from the village of Othmis, in the province of Vanand.  At this period flourished Ananias Shirakensis, whom we have just before noticed, and who was distinguished by being the author of several scientific works... (History of Armenia, Chamchian, 1827)