Church tour to the Armenian Vatican - Etchmiadzin

We leave at 10:00 and head west to the spiritual capital of Armenia, the city of Etchmiadzin. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is considered one of the most ancient monuments of Christianity. It was built at the very beginning of the 4th century, 302-304, after the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion. According to legend, the Cathedral was built on the very spot that Jesus Christ, who appeared in a dream to Gregory the Illuminator, indicated, and this is where the name Etchmiadzin comes from. Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

The Museum "Treasures of Echmiadzin" is located near the residence of the Catholicos, in the courtyard. The museum displays unique holy relics. One of the most famous treasures is Saint Geghard, the Spear of Longins (housed in a silver reliquary) that pierced the side of Christ, the relics of Noah's Ark (also housed in a reliquary created in 1968), as well as many other valuable works of art.

According to history, the reliquary containing the relics of Noah's Ark was given to Patriarch St. James in the 4th century, because he wanted to climb to the top of Mount Ararat in order to find Noah's Ark. After he climbed the mountain, he fell asleep under the influence of the Most High, and the angel of God placed the reliquary of the Ark at his bedside. In a dream, an angel urged St. James to wake up, take his relics and go down from the top of the mountain. In addition to the exhibits presented, during the archaeological excavations carried out during the restoration of the Sacred Altar, the remains of the main Altar, founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, dating back to 302 – 303 Before entering the city of Etchmiadzin stands the majestic Church of St. Hripsime. Hripsime is the name of the martyr, whose grave is located in the crypt, under the altar.

Due to the spread of Christianity in Armenia, as well as for refusing to marry Trdat III, she was tortured and stoned to death. At the site of her death in the 7th century. Catholicos Komitas erected a temple. This is indicated by the inscription on the western wall of the temple from the outside. Hripsime Temple is a classic example of cruciform central domed structures. Next is the church of St. Gayane. Among the numerous monuments of Etchmiadzin, the most famous is the Gayane Temple, located south of the Cathedral. According to legend, the martyr Gayane was Hripsime’s friend, her mentor, and like her, she died for the spread of Christianity. The temple was founded in 630. Catholicos Ezrom.

Built in the form of a domed basilica, it was built in 1652. has been thoroughly updated. Later, a gallery was added to its western facade - the burial place of the hierarchs of the Armenian church. In the southern aisle of the temple, next to the altar apse, rest the relics of St. Gayane

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The cost of the excursion includes:
- comfortable transport service;
- the service of an accompanying guide throughout the tour;

The cost of the tour does not include:
-Meals;
- Personal expenses;
-Additional payment lunch in a 17th century tavern on the territory of the cathedral
-$15 per person,
-Treasury Museum ticket $5 per person

Conditions for order cancellation:
If a tourist cancels an excursion in less than 2 days – penalty 100%