Armenia: Echmiadzin Cathedral
Echmiadzin Cathedral, also known as the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, is the oldest cathedral in Armenia and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world. It is located in the city of Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), east from Yerevan and near the international airport. Founded in 301 AD by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, it was built shortly after Armenia adopted Christianity as the state religion, making it the first country to do so. The cathedral serves as the administrative headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church and is the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the supreme head of the church. It is a major pilgrimage site for Armenians and holds great cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The cathedral complex includes other important religious buildings, museums, and seminaries. Echmiadzin Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
