Holy Mother of God Cathedral, Vagharshapat, Armenian cathedral in Vagharshapat, Armenia

The Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Vagharshapat is a church building designed as a single-nave basilica with traditional Armenian architectural features on its exterior walls. Stone khachkars, the distinctive Armenian carved crosses, decorate the outer surfaces.

The cathedral was built in 1767 under Catholicos Simeon I of Yerevan, replacing a wooden church from the 16th century. It received additions including a new belfry during restoration work in 1986.

An inscription on the eastern wall, left of the main altar, records that the church was built in 1767 at the expense and order of Catholicos Simeon of Yerevan, and that the parish was separated from the Mother See when its wall was built. The churchyard once held a religious school. Since 1996 it has been the seat of the Diocese of Armavir, moved in 2014 to Saint Gregory of Narek Church in Armavir.

The building sits about 200 meters north of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and is relatively easy to reach. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and approach this religious site with respect when entering the grounds.

The walls contain many khachkars from the 18th century, each hand-carved in traditional styles. These carefully crafted stone crosses show the skill of local artisans and represent personal expressions of faith from people across different generations.