1. Dedicated to a Saint Who Enlightened Armenia
St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator, a pivotal figure in Armenian Christianity. He is credited with converting the Armenian king, Tiridates III, and subsequently the Armenian nation, to Christianity in the early 4th century. This historic event made Armenia the first nation in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, predating the Roman Empire’s official acceptance of the faith.
Historical Significance: This early adoption of Christianity has deeply embedded the faith into Armenian cultural identity. The Cathedral’s dedication to St. Gregory serves as a constant reminder of Armenia’s spiritual lineage and unique Christian heritage.
2. Architectural Grandeur and Spiritual Significance
One of the prominent features of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is its architectural design. The Cathedral, being one of the largest Armenian Apostolic churches in the world, covers an area of about 3,822 square meters and can accommodate around 1,700 people.
Theological Significance: The vastness of the Cathedral symbolizes the vastness of God’s love and the open arms of the Church welcoming all believers. It is a testament to the Armenian Church’s long-standing tradition and resilience in preserving its Christian faith through centuries of challenges.
3. A Modern Cathedral with Ancient Roots
While the Cathedral was consecrated recently in 2001, the foundation stones were sourced from the biblical Mount Ararat. This mountain holds deep significance in Christian lore, believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark.
Theological Significance: The Bible states, “And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat” (Genesis 8:4). By integrating stones from Mount Ararat, the Cathedral bridges the ancient biblical narrative with the modern Armenian Christian identity.
4. Chapels Dedicated to Armenian Martyrs
Within the Cathedral’s precincts, there are chapels dedicated to the Armenian martyrs who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
Historical and Theological Significance: The Armenian Genocide is a dark chapter in Armenian history, but the dedication of chapels serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of faith amid persecution. The Catholic Church has always acknowledged the sanctity of martyrdom, as evident in the Catechism: “Martyrdom is the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2473).
5. An Ecumenical Embrace
While St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church (which is Oriental Orthodox), it has received blessings from Catholic pontiffs, showcasing an ecumenical spirit. Pope John Paul II, during his visit in 2001, presented a chalice to the Cathedral as a symbol of Christian unity.
Theological Significance: Such gestures underline the universality of the Christian message and the hope for unity among Christian denominations. The Catholic Church believes that “Christ bestowed unity on His Church from the beginning” and that “this unity, we believe, subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 813).
6. A Beacon for the Diaspora
The Cathedral serves not only the local Armenian community but also the global Armenian diaspora. It has become a pilgrimage site for Armenians worldwide, rekindling ties with their homeland and spiritual heritage.
Theological Significance: The universal call of the Church, as expressed in the Catechism, is to “bring together the scattered children of God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 845). In this way, St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral serves as a spiritual lighthouse, gathering Armenians from all corners of the world.
Conclusion:
St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, nestled in the heart of Yerevan, Armenia, stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the Armenian people and their rich Christian heritage. It binds together ancient traditions with modern expressions of devotion, reminding all visitors of the deep well of spiritual and cultural treasures found in Armenia’s storied history.