For Armenians, the first centuries AD were rife with changes. Armenia became the first Christian nation in the world when it declared Christianity its official religion in 301 AD. No wonder so many people visit Armenia for pilgrimage!

Before converting to Christianity, Armenians used to be pagans and worshipped various deities. Garni Temple is one of the unique monuments representing that period and a must-see site when traveling to Armenia.

Gregory the Illuminator was the one to bring Christian belief to the Armenian people. King Tiridates the Third imprisoned Gregory because he refused to bring flowers to the shrine of Anahit, the pagan goddess of fertility, healing, and wisdom. However, when the King becomes ill, his sister Khosrovdukht sees in her dream that only Gregory can heal her brother and gets Gregory out of jail. After Gregory saves the King, the royal family converts to Christianity.

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Armenian Apostolic Church

Following the spread of Christianity, the Armenian Apostolic Church, an independent Oriental Orthodox congregation, was designated as the nation's official church.

Since the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus attempted to spread Christianity in Armenia during the first century, the national church of Armenians is regarded as Apostolic. Armenians hold that Jesus Christ embodies a single essence that equally unites divinity and humanity.

This is the primary distinction between the Armenian Apostolic Church and other churches.

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On your visit to Armenia, you can sense the locals’ sincere religious devotion. It is interwoven into participating in the Sunday liturgy, keeping church celebrations alive, and maintaining the sacred sites.

Out of dozens of feasts and celebrations throughout the year, locals take part in especially great numbers for the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Palm Sunday, and Easter festivities.

Armenians maintain both the traditional and spiritual elements of religious festivals, even though they are frequently marked by local customs that date back well before the advent of Christianity.

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In August, you can get a basket of ripe grapes and go to a nearby church to celebrate the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. Did you forget to bring some grapes to take with you? No worries! You are welcome to get some from the church.

Celebrating Easter is another delightful blending of traditions and beliefs. You can get some colorful boiled eggs to participate in the “egg crashing” game with the locals.

Then celebrate Easter over a dinner table with rice pilaf, trout fish, and some great red wine. While these are some of the most celebrated religious holidays, there are numerous others you can join when in Armenia.

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For Armenians, the first centuries AD were rife with changes. Armenia became the first Christian nation in the world when it declared Christianity its official religion in 301 AD. No wonder so many people visit Armenia for pilgrimage!

Armenian Apostolic Church

Following the spread of Christianity, the Armenian Apostolic Church, an independent Oriental Orthodox congregation, was designated as the nation's official church.

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