Abgar

King of Armenia and ruler of Edessa (AD1-34). According to the Armenian tradition, he was converted by Apostle Thaddeus to become the first Christian king in history. Many researchers deny the historicity of an Armenian King Abgar and associate him with Abgar IX the Syrian who was indeed converted to Christianity in the late 2d century. Maybe the explanation can be found in the History of Moses of Khoren: "…Because of his uncommon modesty and wisdom, and his old age, this Abgaros was given the title of Avag Hair (Senior Father). The Greeks and Syrians, unable to articulate his name correctly, called him Abgar."

www.ArmenianHistory.info