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This church was built in 658 by Komitas Aghtsetsi Catholicos on the place where the tomb of the virgin Martyr St Hripsime is.
Hripsime is a saint martyr, belonging to a group of virgins led by the Saint Gayane. Hripsime was martyred by the king Tirdat, after she refused his advances. Despite being responsible for her martyrdom, Tirdat converted to Christianity in 301, thus making Armenia the first kingdom to turn to Christianity.
Saint Hripsime ChurchSaint Hripsime ChurchSaint Hripsime ChurchThe Ararat is visible from the church. A deep sense of spirituality surrounds you from every angle in this landTomb of Hripsime
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.
