What is the Etchmiadzin Cathedral made of?
Originally, the Echmiadzin Cathedral was constructed from wood in the form of basilica. But in 483 it was reconstructed and made into cross-shaped building with a dome. In the 7th century, the Cathedral was rebuilt in stone. In the 17th century the existing dome and the three-level belfry were added.
Why was the Etchmiadzin Cathedral built?
It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion.
When was ejmiatsin built?
The monastery, founded in the 6th century ce and called Echmiadzin from the 10th century, consists of a complex of buildings surrounded by a brick wall 30 feet (10 metres) high; it includes a modern college and seminary.
When was Etchmiadzin Cathedral built?
301 ADMother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian Orthodox Church) / Opened
What is the smallest cathedral in the UK?
The Cathedral of The Isles and Collegiate Church
Millport Cathedral The Cathedral of The Isles and Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit is Britain’s smallest Cathedral and dates from 1851. Planned as a theological college for the Scottish Episcopal Church, it was seen as a “new” Iona, and in 1876 was consecrated Cathedral of the Isles.
What is the significance of Etchmiadzin Cathedral?
The locus of Etchmiadzin is “a sanctified soil” similar to Temple Mount and the Golden Temple, for Jews and Sikhs, respectively. Catholicos Vazgen I described the cathedral as “our Solomon’s Temple .” The cathedral complex has been called “Armenian Vatican ” or “Armenian Mecca ” as it is a major pilgrimage site for Armenians worldwide.
What is the history of Etchmiadzin?
The eastern part of Armenia where Etchmiadzin was located remained under the rule of Armenian vassal kings subject to Persia until 428, when the Armenian Kingdom was dissolved. In 450, in an attempt to impose Zoroastrianism on Armenians, Sasanian King Yazdegerd II built a fire temple inside the cathedral.
What is the legend of the foundation of the cathedral?
Agathangelos narrates in his History of the Armenians the legend of the foundation of the cathedral. Armenia’s patron saint Gregory the Illuminator had a vision of Jesus Christ descending from heaven and striking the earth with a golden hammer to show where the cathedral should be built.
What is the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin?
Since then the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has been the administrative headquarters of the Armenian Church. Etchmiadzin was plundered by Shah Abbas I of Persia in 1604, when relics and stones were taken out of the cathedral to New Julfa in an effort to undermine Armenians’ attachment to their land.