Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301

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Why it mattersKey Armenian Apostolic Mother See (Gregory the Illuminator foundation 301 CE) temple-complex with stratified sequence and regional typology.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

301–303 CE original Gregory wooden on pagan bas temple; 618 Komitas stone core

Period

Armenian Christianity world first state church (301–303 CE Gregory original wooden; 480 Vahan, 618 Komitas stone; 1654–58 tiers)

Culture

Armenian Apostolic Mother See (Gregory the Illuminator foundation 301 CE)

Purpose

World's oldest state-Christian cathedral (UNESCO 2000 Shoghakat style) 4-column cruciform core 618 with Gregor's spear and 2000 khachkars museum

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1897

Excavation

Partially excavated

1. c. 1500 BCE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301

2. 301–303 CE original Gregory wooden on pagan bas temple; 618 Komitas stone core

   Initial construction / first occupation at Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301

• Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301 — Principal Temple

  temple

  temple at Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301 — primary structure

  40.1608° N · 44.2891° E

• Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301 — Northern Altar

  altar

  altar at Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301 — subsidiary complex

  40.1602° N · 44.2914° E

• Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301 — Southern Shrine

  shrine

  shrine at Echmiadzin Cathedral Mother See — Oldest Cathedral State Church 301 — primary structure

  40.1638° N · 44.2916° E