ABGAR DPIR. — Also called Safar, an Armenian nobleman of King Senekerim of Sebaste, born in Eudocia (Tokat). In the year 1561, A. met with Katholikos Michael I and received the task of a political-religious mission to Rome, where he was warmly received by Pope Pius IV, who, through him, invited the Armenian patriarch to Rome to discuss Armenian matters.
At the Pope’s request, A. put into writing the profession of the Armenian faith, with a clear exposition of dogma and discipline, finally drawing the Pontiff’s attention to the Armenian people groaning under the yoke of the Turkish-Persian Muslims.
His son Sultanšah (called Marcantonio by the Pope) enjoyed the Pope’s favor and performed delicate duties in Rome. A. is credited with introducing the use of the art of typography for Armenian editions.