Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Armenian Apostolic Church

the etchmiadzin cathedral, armenia s mother church

the mother see of holy etchmiadzin (armenian: Մայր Աթոռ Սուրբ Էջմիածին) spiritual , administrative headquarters of worldwide armenian church, center of faith of armenian nation – mother cathedral of armenian church, , pontifical residence of karekin ii. mother see of holy etchmiadzin blend of past, present , future of worldwide armenian church.

preserving past numerous museums, libraries , mother cathedral itself, holding vast richness of history , treasures. mother see responsible preservation of artifacts, both created church , given church gifts on time.

carrying on work of present , future innumerable departments , programs of armenian church. under leadership , guidance of karekin ii, mother see administers social, cultural , educational programs armenia , diaspora.

the mother cathedral recognised landmark of armenian church. built , consecrated st. gregory illuminator , st. trdat great in ad 303, cathedral located in city of vagharshapat, armenia.

it said st. gregory chose location of cathedral in accordance vision. in dream saw miatsin , begotten son of god, glittering light on face descending heavens , golden hammer striking ground cathedral located. hence comes name etchmiadzin , translates literally place miatsin descended.

the mother cathedral open every day; divine liturgy celebrated every sunday.