Trade, ideas, faiths and different visions of the world all ran along the Eurasian Roads. Religion being at the core of identity, a Eurasian ruler or Kingdom embracing a religion could only prove to be a turning point in eurasian dynamics.
More than that, it would prove fundamental in the construction of nations. Ismail Somoni in nowadays Tajikistan or Vladimir the Great adopting Orthodoxy are some examples.
Armenia 🇦🇲, the first Kingdom to officially adopt Christianity in 301 is a particularly striking example and the Saint Hripsime Church certainly holds a special significance in this history and construction.
A Saint belonging to a group led by Saint Gayane, Saint Hripsime was martyred by the King Tiridate. Saint Hripsime’s tomb is inside this church that bears her name and is located in the city of Echmiatsin (or Vagharshapat, former capital of the Kingdom of Armenia).
The city was founded in 303 by Grigor Loussavoritch, whose prayers are said to have cured the king Tiridate during the last months of 300, thus also contributing to his conversion to Christianity*.
*Source : the Armenian Church, from Archbishop Malachia ORMANIAN, Ankyunakar Editions.
I have visited many places, but I have never felt so physically and emotionally close to a Saint as I have been to the tomb of Hripsime. There is a common conception in the armenian churches that one should be as close as possible to God and the saints. The word sacred gets all its meaning in this holy place of Echmiatsin.
The armenian crosses have a distinctive shape. According to a great guide I had during my visit to Geghard Monastery, the Armenian cross has a more peaceful round shape. It is closer in its form to a tree of a life. Rather than the sacrifice, the armenian cross rather conveys the idea of hope and life.
The city of Etchmiasin. The city was founded in 303 by Grigor Loussavoritch, his prayers are said to have cured the king Tirade during the last months of 300, thus contributing to the king’s conversion to Christianity. On a small public garden in Echmiatsin : Icones, crosses, miniatures of churches and other religious objects. I didn’t dare get closer nor could I fully grasp the meaning of this « sanctuary », but it says so much about the place of faith in Armenia.
