Journey to the Armenian Vatican

What to expect

Back to the Roots

Armenia is considered the oldest Christian country in the world. The local believers were once able to overcome all obstacles and persecutions with their unwavering energy. On the tour of Etchmiadzin - a cozy town with a rich historical past - I will help shed light on the history of the people who first adopted Christianity as the state religion back in 301 AD. Let's explore the old streets and landmarks of this colorful open-air museum at a leisurely pace!

Museum Part

• Let's start with a historical overview of the Cathedral, which is currently under restoration. It is one of the oldest Christian structures in the world.

• Then we will visit the Treasure Museum of Holy Etchmiadzin, where you will see great relics: chalices, altar curtains, relics, vestments, parts of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, and more.

• In the literary museum of Ruben Sevak, we will talk about the Armenian Genocide in Western Armenia and admire the works of local artists, including original pieces by Aivazovsky.

Spiritual Part

• We will visit the unique Churches of St. Ripsime, Surb Shoghakat, and the Temple of St. Gayane. There lie the graves and relics of the Great Martyrs of Ripsimyans, to whom Christian believers from all over the world come to worship and seek intercession from these great Saints.

• We will visit the churches of the Holy Archangels and the Holy Mother of God, where we will talk about the Armenian ritual of Worship and the unique place of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Christian world, doctrinal and theological distinctions from Byzantine Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.

• We will see the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

• We will stroll through the Alley of Khachkars (stone crosses), where I will explain in detail the significance of these ancient symbols.