Gregory the Illuminator
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Gregory the Illuminator was the founder and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He converted Armenia from Zoroastrianism to Christianity in the early fourth century, making Armenia t
A 10th century bas relief of St. Gregory at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Aghtamar (Akdamar), Lake Van (today Turkey)
The Baptism of the Armenian People (1892), by Ivan Aivazovsky
A miniature of Gregory and Trdat (as a boar) by Vardan Baghishetsi on a manuscript from Baghesh, Vaspurakan, c. 1569–70
Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 17th century
Khor Virap
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Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery located in the Ararat Plain in Armenia, near the border with Turkey, about 8 kilometres south of Artashat, Ararat Province, in the territory of ancient Artaxata. Th
Gregory the Illuminator
…after he refused to make a sacrifice to a pagan goddess. After discovering Gregory's true identity, Tiridates had him thrown into a deep pit well called Khor Virap for 14 years. Gregory was miraculously saved from death and released after many years with the help of Tiridates' sister Khosrovidukht. Gregory then…
Khor Virap with Mount Ararat in background
Fenced border with Turkey
Baptism of Tiridates III by St. Gregory
Church of the Holy Mother of God (Surb Astvatzatzin)