Armenia, the first Christian country, in 301

In 301, Armenia became the first state to make Christianity its state religion.

According to tradition, Saint Gregory converted King Tiridates III. Armenians call him Lusavorich: the Illuminator.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral, founded between 301 and 303 according to tradition, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.

Did you know? Etchmiadzin means “the descent of the Only-Begotten”, after Saint Gregory’s vision.

Words to listen to

Romanization	Armenian	Meaning
Lusavorich	Լուսավորիչ	the Illuminator (Saint Gregory)
Etchmiadzin	Էջմիածին	the Mother Cathedral
yekeghetsi	եկեղեցի	church

Tap a row’s button to hear the word. Romanization and audio come from the app (Eastern Armenian).