Christians For More Than 1700 Years

In 301 A.D., Armenians became Christians, abjuring the paganism and neglecting all its idols. It was during the reign of king Dertad III (286-330 A.D.) that the Armenian people adopted the christian faith and made it their official religion. The conversion to this new religion occurred with the help of a person called Krikor, whom later the people honored as the “Illuminator” of the nation. The ceremonial took place during a garden meeting on the shores of the Arazani river, in Ardashad. King Dertad with all his family, wife and sister, and all the kins, received their baptism, soaked into the waters of the river.

Since the Armenian Church arose from underground to become the first state to officially adopt Christianity in 301 A.D., Armenia and her faith have been inseparable.

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the worldwide Armenian Church.The Mother Cathedral, founded by the Descent of Christ, built by St. Gregory the Illuminator and King Trdat III, has stood as a symbol against time of the Armenian faith, nation and people. No other silhouette is so instantly recognized by Armenians the world over.

During my presence in Armenia, I have visited The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and came back with this wonderful picture.