The Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin

In 301 Armenia entered world history as the first country to adopt Christianity officially. This happened under King Trdat III and Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Gregory had been thrown into a dungeon for two reasons: his refusal to worship the pagan gods, and the fact that his father had killed Trdat’s father. Later he healed Trdat of an illness, after which the king and his subjects accepted the new faith.

Christianity became the foundation of Armenian identity. As early as the 4th century Etchmiadzin was built, the spiritual centre of Armenia and one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in the world. The new religion influenced the whole culture: khachkars and manuscript books were created, and Armenian architecture gained worldwide recognition. Christianity helped Armenians preserve their identity in difficult times of conquest and persecution.

The photograph shows Etchmiadzin Cathedral from above, with its conical dome and bell towers, surrounded by trees. The town is in the background.