Armenia The First Christian Nation | History of Christianity

About Armenia

The First Christian Nation

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Christian Nation

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For Armenians, the first centuries AD were rife with changes. Armenia became the first Christian nation in the world when it declared Christianity its official religion in 301 AD. No wonder so many people visit Armenia for pilgrimage!

Before converting to Christianity, Armenians used to be pagans and worshipped various deities. Garni Temple is one of the unique monuments representing that period and a must-see site when traveling to Armenia.

Gregory the Illuminator was the one to bring Christian belief to the Armenian people. King Tiridates the Third imprisoned Gregory because he refused to bring flowers to the shrine of Anahit, the pagan goddess of fertility, healing, and wisdom. However, when the King becomes ill, his sister Khosrovdukht sees in her dream that only Gregory can heal her brother and gets Gregory out of jail. After Gregory saves the King, the royal family converts to Christianity.

Armenian Apostolic Church

Following the spread of Christianity, the Armenian Apostolic Church, an independent Oriental Orthodox congregation, was designated as the nation's official church.

Since the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus attempted to spread Christianity in Armenia during the first century, the national church of Armenians is regarded as Apostolic. Armenians hold that Jesus Christ embodies a single essence that equally unites divinity and humanity.

This is the primary distinction between the Armenian Apostolic Church and other churches.

Traditions Traditions Traditions Traditions

On your visit to Armenia, you can sense the locals’ sincere religious devotion. It is interwoven into participating in the Sunday liturgy, keeping church celebrations alive, and maintaining the sacred sites.

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