The Legend
Hripsime fled to Armenia to escape persecution by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. A beautiful but totally devoted follower of Christ, Hripsime refused to marry the pagan Armenian King Trdat III when ordered, and chose the death of a martyr instead. A small chapel was erected over the spot where she was murdered. In the 7th century a wondrous church -- a masterpiece of Armenian architecture -- was built in its place by order of Catholicos Komitas. The dating of this church is confirmed by Catholicos Komitas’ two dedication signatures (one inside the building over the eastern apse, the other outside over the western entrance to the cathedral).
GALLERY