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Etchmiadzin
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Etchmiadzin Cathedral

Etchmiadzin

The first Christian nation · Armenia

Gregory the Illuminator was thrown into a deep pit for years by King Tiridates III for refusing to worship the old gods. When Gregory was freed and healed the king, Tiridates was baptised, and Armenia became the first nation to make Christianity its state religion, traditionally in 301. Gregory saw a vision of Christ coming down from heaven, which gave the place its name: 'where the Only-Begotten descended'. Today Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the seat of the Catholicos, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Did you know?

The cathedral here is often called the oldest cathedral in the world.

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An inspiring story

Thirteen years in a pit

Would you help the person who locked you away?

Gregory refused to worship the goddess of King Tiridates of Armenia. The king had him tortured and thrown into a deep pit, where he survived for some thirteen years, kept alive by a widow who secretly lowered bread to him. Then the king fell gravely ill. His sister dreamed that only Gregory could help. When they lifted him out, Gregory did not take revenge: he prayed for the king, and Tiridates was healed. Why help the man who had destroyed his life? Because he had spent those years with God, not with his anger.

Around 301 Armenia became the first country to make Christianity its official faith. Gregory built the cathedral here.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.Romans 12:14

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