Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin
Name: Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin
Monument type: Temple
Region: Armavir Province
Periods: Medieval
Name: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
Other nomination: St. Kathoghike Church of Vagharshapat
Monument type: Center of All-Armenian Catholikosat
Region: Armavir
Community: Vagharshapat
Residence: Vagharshapat town (Etchmiadzin, 1945–1995)
Location: Center of the Vagharshapat city
Preservation: Completely preserved, renovated
Coordinates: 40°09’42” N 44°17’28” E
Altitude: 870 m
Era and chronology: Early Middle Ages (IV century)up to the present days
Etchmiadzin: The Spiritual Heart of Armenia
When you visit Etchmiadzin, you’re not just embarking on a journey through time; you’re also given the opportunity to witness the living history of a people whose faith has remained unwavering for centuries. In 2000, this 4th century masterpiece was rightfully recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, and it continues to attract pilgrims and travelers from all corners of the globe to this day.
As you explore this sacred site, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of countless generations who have sought solace, guidance, and divine connection within these hallowed walls. And, like countless others before you, this sacred place will leave an everlasting and transcendent mark on your soul, one that will remain with you for years after you’ve departed.
According to ancient legend, St. Shoghakat Monastery stands on the hallowed ground where the virgin martyr, Mariane, was tragically persecuted. It was here that Gregory the Illuminator, a revered figure in Armenian history, built a humble chapel to honor her memory. This sacred spot later witnessed a miraculous event: a beam of light appeared in St. Gregory the Illuminator’s vision, leading to the naming of the church as Shoghakat.
Nestled within the historic region of Armavir, Armenia, lies the magnificent Echmiadzin Cathedral, often referred to as the “Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.” This revered monument, steeped in history, holds a special place in the hearts of Armenians..
Echmiadzin, which also bears the alternative name “St. Kathoghike Church of Vagharshapat,” is not just an architectural marvel; it is a living testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Armenia. With a history dating back to the early Middle Ages, it continues to play a central role in the spiritual life of the Armenian people to this day.
The cathedral stands proudly at an altitude of 870 meters, making it both a religious and geographic beacon. It holds the title of being the first Christian cathedral in Armenia, constructed in 301-303 AD under the patronage of Gregory the Illuminator. This significant milestone marked the transition from paganism to Christianity, shaping the spiritual identity of Armenia.
Over the centuries, the cathedral has seen its fair share of transformations and renovations, each layer of history adding to its cultural significance. Historians suggest that the cathedral was initially of basilica type and evolved into its current form in the 7th century under the guidance of Catholicos Nerses III. However, excavations during the mid-20th century did not confirm this theory, leaving the cathedral’s original structure still shrouded in some mystery.
Today, Echmiadzin stands as a well-preserved, quadrangular structure with external dimensions of 22.55×20.72 meters. Its architecture features a striking interplay of gables and arches, which culminate in a majestic dome, a symbol of spiritual aspiration. Remarkably, the northern facade boasts two Greek inscriptions, dating back to the IV-V centuries, illustrating the cathedral’s historical importance.
The cathedral’s history is also marked by periods of adversity, such as when it fell victim to looting by Abbas I Sefi in 1604, who plundered relics and stones, trying to weaken the Armenians’ devotion to their homeland. Despite these challenges, Echmiadzin has remained a symbol of resilience.
Echmiadzin’s significance extends beyond its architectural grandeur; it’s a place of spiritual pilgrimage, drawing countless visitors from around the world. In 2000, its cultural and historical importance was officially recognized when it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, affirming its place in the pantheon of world heritage sites.
The cathedral’s enduring role as the Center of All-Armenian Catholikosat makes it not just a place of worship but also a repository of legends. Among them is the story of Gregory the Illuminator’s vision, guiding the construction of the cathedral’s foundations. Christ Himself, holding a golden willow, descended from heaven and traced a circle to indicate the precise location, marking this sacred ground.
Another legend speaks of a malevolent presence disrupting construction. Gregory the Illuminator saw Christ in a dream, banishing all evil forces by pounding the cathedral’s foundations with His fist, allowing for its triumphant completion.
FACTS
❈ Echmiadzin Cathedral, also known as the “Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,” is a revered symbol of Armenia’s rich cultural and religious heritage, constructed in 301-303 AD.
❈ This first Christian cathedral in Armenia has evolved over the centuries, with its original structure remaining somewhat mysterious.
❈ Echmiadzin, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves not only as an architectural marvel but also as a spiritual pilgrimage destination for people worldwide.
❈ Legends surround the cathedral’s construction, with stories of divine guidance by Gregory the Illuminator and the banishment of malevolent forces.
❈ Echmiadzin stands as a resilient symbol of Armenia’s spiritual identity, despite challenges like looting in the 17th century.
🔍 Research history
Almost all the authors involved in the Armenian architectural study referred to the cathedral history and architecture. Excavations were conducted in 1955, 1956, 1959, with the direction architect Al. Sahinyan. The anchors of the detached gables of the ancient building, several slabs of the original pavement attached to them, the 2-3 row bases of the anchors, the lower masonry of the ancient tabernacle inside the upper tabernacle, were discovered under the anchors of the dome-bearing gables. Anchors of 2 different buildings with different structures are placed under each of the dome-bearing gables. According to Al. Sahinyan, the upper anchors belonged to the dome-bearing structure, and the lower anchors to the basilica structure. The remains of a large-scale mosaic were discovered on the horizon of the temple foundations dating back to the V century according to Al. By Sahinyan, (they were found already in a ruined condition in the 480s), IV-V century mural painting remains were discovered in a ruined condition in the center of the ancient tabernacle included in the structure of the upper one, and a firebox with ashes under the plinth of the stone (tonir in a pot, with the wheel facing to the west); a monument of the Urartian period (3.10 x 0.73 x 0.53 m) was discovered in the lower layer of the V century stage, made of polished quartz; now it is located in the courtyard of the temple.
🧱 Archaeological description
Architecture
It is the main religious structure of the Armenian Apostolic Church. According to the researchers, it is the first Cathedral of Christian Armenia and is considered one of the oldest Cathedrals in the world.
The church was built in 301-303, at the beginning of the IV century, after the adoption of Christianity as the state religion, by the order of Gregory the Illuminator. It was built on the site of the pre-existing temple, symbolizing the transition from paganism to Christianity. The main part of the current structure was built by Vahan Mamikonian in 483/4, after the church was severely damaged during the Persian invasion. Historian Ghazar Parpetsi’s reference that Vahan Mamikonian thoroughly renovated the cathedral was interpreted by some researchers as a new construction, and there was an opinion that the original building of the Cathedral was a basilica type, and the composition that has reached to us is a result of the VII century reconstruction by Catholicos Nerses III, when the wooden roof of the cathedral was replaced by stone (Tokarski). However, the results of the excavations carried out during the 1954-1955 cathedral renovation and fortification works, did not confirm the opinion of the original building of the Cathedral being of the basilica type. In the following centuries, the temple underwent a number of renovations. In order to weaken the devotion of Armenians to their country, Abbas I Sefi looted Etchmiadzin in 1604, taking relics and stones from the temple.
Now the plan of the temple is quadrangular, with external dimensions of 22.55×20.72m. Its southern, northern and western sides are accentuated by semicircular apses on the inside and pentagonal apses on the outside. The eastern apse (upper tabernacle) is located between two vaults running from north to south. The temple has three entrances. The main one is under the western belfry, and the other two are near the south-western and north-western corners of the cathedral. In the center of the square prayer hall there are strong gables with a cross plan, connected to each other and to the opposite walls by arches. The drum and the dome crowning it rise on the domed square formed by the placement of the pediments.
Parts testifying to the antiquity of the temple are noticeable in the western and especially in the northern facades. Among them are the two slabs on the eastern part of the northern facade, with Greek inscription reliefs. The Greek inscriptions are commemorative and benevolent. One of the slabs depicts Paul and Tekghe, and the other one – a cross with two birds drawn in a circle. The images date to the IV-V centuries.
The belfries were built in the second half of the XVII century. In 1682 by the order of Catholicos Yeghiazar, the “descent table” was placed in the center of the temple, under the dome. The inner walls of the temple were decorated with murals in 1720 during the reign of Catholicos Astvatator; the author of the murals is Naghash Hovnatanyan. Later, this work was continued by the artist’s grandson Hovnatan Hovnatanyan. The museum building was built in the eastern part of the temple in 1869. As a result, today the temple incorporates styles from different periods of the Armenian architecture. The role of the Etchmiadzin Cathedral was particularly significant during the period of independent Armenia. Several khachkars preserved from Jugha are erected near the gate of the Gregory the Illuminator cathedral.
Some of the Catholicoses of All Armenians are buried in the yard of the cathedral.
🔨 Findings
As a result of the excavation and cleaning works conducted in different years, burial structures, bases of structures of different eras, tonirs, pottery findings, fragments of frescoes and mosaics were revealed.
🌍 Significance
The temple is a large pilgrimage site, one of the most visited places in Armenia. The Cathedral, was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 2000.
📜 Traditional legends
1. There was mud and swamp on the site of the cathedral. Gregory the Illuminator did not know where to lay the foundations of the temple. He has a vision. Christ comes down from heaven with a golden willow in his hand, shows the place by drawing a circle. In the morning the Illuminator wakes up and sets the foundation. The stones of the foundation are brought by Trdat from Masis mountain. While carrying the stones, Lusavorich would stand behind and pray for Trdat. Once the king gets annoyed with his prayer and complains that he is bored with the prayer behind him. At that, the Illuminator falls silent, and Trdat’s feet sink into the ground up to his knees. Seeing this, the king urges to continue the prayer.
2. When they start to build the Cathedral, when the night passes, they come to see that the foundation of the cathedral has been destroyed. At night, Gregory the Illuminator sees Christ in his dream, who says that there is a root of evil in that place, and he will destroy them. He sees how Christ comes to the place where the temple is being built and begins to beat its foundation with his fist. All evils are banished, after which the construction of the temple is successfully completed.
📚 Sources
Literature
- Harutyunyan A. 2016, Vagharshapat. Monasteries and epitaphs, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, St. Etchmiadzin, 548 pages.
- Harutyunyan A., Badishyan A. 2020, Reverend Zakaria Vagharshapatsi and his newly discovered mausoleum at the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, “Echmiadzin”, A, pp. 44-57.
- Sahinyan Al. 1961, The architectural image of the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, Etchmiadzin, A, pp. 43-63.
- Ghanalanyan A., Avandapatum, Yerevan, Armenian SSR Publishing House, 1969, 530 pages.
- Tokarsky N.M. 1946, Architecture of ancient Armenia, Yerevan, ed. ASSR Academy of the Sciences, 381 pages.
- Khalpakhchyan O.Kh. 1980, Architectural Ensembles of Armenia, Moscow, Art, 467p.
🕰️ Archive
Archive of the History Museum of Armenia
List of monuments
Armavir 4.2/14
📷 Gallery
- The plan of the temple (Khalpakhchyan 1980,119).
- General view of the Mother Cathedral from the northern side, beginning of the XX century. (photo by Garegin Hovsepyan, History Museum of Armenia).
- The view of the temple from the north-east (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- The view of the temple from the south-west (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- The dome of the temple with the images of the apostles (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- One of the slabs on the northern wall of the temple with the images of Paul and Tekghe (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- The second of the slabs on the northern wall of the temple with the images of a cross and two birds drawn in a circle (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- The belfry built on the western side of the temple (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- The door of the cathedral (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- Details from the sculptures of the belfry (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- Various details from the sculptures of the belfry (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- The decorated parts of the belfry (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- The gates of Saint Gregory the Illuminator (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- Tombstone of Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- Tombstone of Catholicos of All Armenians Gevorg Z (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- Mkrtich A (Khrimyan Hayrik) tombstone of the Catholicos of All Armenians (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- One of the preserved cross stones of Jugha (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
- One of the preserved khachkars of Jugha (photo by D. Mirijanyan).
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