Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is located in the city of Vagharshapat, in Armenia’s Armavir Province. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

According to Armenian Church tradition, in 301 AD, after Christianity was proclaimed the state religion of Armenia, Saint Gregory the Illuminator had a vision. Christ descended from heaven and, with a golden hammer, pointed to the place where the main cathedral was to be built. This is why it was called “Etchmiadzin,” meaning “the place where the Only-Begotten descended.”

The construction of Etchmiadzin Cathedral began in the early 4th century, during the time of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. It is considered one of the oldest Christian churches in the world built as a Christian place of worship.

Today, the complex includes not only the cathedral, but also a theological seminary, museums, libraries, and various administrative and religious institutions. It is also the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

For the Armenian people, the Mother See has not only religious significance but also great national and historical importance. Throughout the centuries, Etchmiadzin has been an important center of Armenian culture, education, literature, and spiritual life.

Etchmiadzin is often called the heart of the Armenian Christian world. It is one of the most important spiritual and historical places to visit when traveling in Armenia.