St. Echmiadzin

This commemorative coin issued by the Central Bank of Armenia is dedicated to the 1700-th anniversary for adopting Christianity in Armenia as a state religion. Very soon after Christianity penetrated Armenia, the Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral was built in Vagharshapat, the old Armenian capital in 301- 303 c. Later on, it became the center for Armenian Christianity. The Cathedral is built in a place, where it is believed, a vision has been seen to Gregory the Illuminator, according to which, The Only Begotten son, Jesus The Christ, had descended from the heavens. This explains the source of the name of the Cathedral and, later on, the city- Echmiadzin translated as "The Only Begotten descended". The Cathedral was founded by the king Tiridat III and Gregory the Illuminator. The Mother Cathedral of Echmiadzin seriously suffered during the Persian invasions in 380. In 483, Vahan Mamikonyan undertook restoration works of the Mother Cathedral. The Cathedral was the first center- domed building in Armenian architecture, that served as a model for such buildings not only in Armenia but also in other countries. The Cathedral has played a crucial role in the history of Armenian people. As a center for Christian religion, the Cathedral has brought Armenians together, by unifying the world- spread Armenians and igniting their patriotic feelings. Presently, the Cathedral of Echmiadzin is functioning and is considered to be the Chair of Catholicos of all Armenians.

Image copyright: Central Bank of Armenia
Country: 
Catalog ID: 
AM52CM1
Krause ID: 
KM #82
Value: 
€55
Mintage: 
1700
Quality: 
Face value: 
Material: 
Purity: 
0.999
Weight: 
31.1g
Diameter: 
38mm
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Shape and style: 
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Source of information: 
Source of information: