ERINCLAK, DIOCESE of. - It is the principal district of the province of Siunikh in Greater Armenia. In E. there were numerous monasteries and hermitages, the most celebrated of which were the monasteries of Giorgio, Abragunt, and S. Giovanni Battista (Karapet). In the 11th century E., though not legally erected, is mentioned for the first time as an episcopal see, as is evident from the protest of the katholikós Sergio I (902–1019). It is not known when the see and the diocese were subsequently officially established.
After the middle of the 14th century, Pardine of the Dominicans, known as the “Peregrinating Brethren” or “Unitors,” was established in E. With the approval of the Holy See, they had the diocese of E. as their missionary centre; from 1440 to 1760 an archbishop elected by the Chapter of the province of the Order, with the participation of popular delegates, resided there.