Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Religious monastery in Vagharshapat, Armenia.
The Mother See is a religious center in Vagharshapat, Armenia, serving as the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The complex includes several chapels, libraries, and administrative buildings made of carved volcanic tufa stone arranged around a central courtyard.
Gregory the Illuminator founded this site in the early 4th century after King Tiridates III declared Christianity the state religion. Earthquakes damaged the original structure multiple times, with much of the current building dating from the 17th century.
The Armenian name refers to a vision of Saint Gregory, who saw Christ descending with a golden hammer to strike the earth. Pilgrims from across the diaspora come here to attend services and experience the connection to their homeland's oldest Christian tradition.
Visitors should cover shoulders and knees and are asked to remain quiet during services. The complex is reachable on foot from central Vagharshapat, and local guides offer tours in several languages.
The treasury holds relics venerated by pilgrims for centuries, including a spear associated with the Roman crucifixion. Many visitors do not notice that a small crypt lies beneath the main altar, where early patriarchs are buried.
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