301’s David Ghahramanyan captured the Holy Liturgy at the newly reconsecrated Etchmiadzin Cathedral this morning.
His photos beautifully highlight both the profound spiritual significance of the service and the renewed beauty of this historic site.
The Cathedral of Saint Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church, is one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in the world. Its recent renovation addressed the urgent need for structural repairs to key elements, including the foundation, frame, roof, and load-bearing walls—repairs not undertaken since the reign of Catholicos Movses III Tatevatsi in the 1620s.
The restoration encompassed the cathedral’s floors, pillars, and even the cross atop its main dome. After being closed to the public for six years, the cathedral has finally reopened, with the re-consecration ceremony taking place on September 28-29, alongside the sacred Holy Myron ceremony.
The renovation of the Cathedral of Saint Etchmiadzin symbolizes more than just the restoration of a historic building—it represents the renewal of Armenia’s spiritual heart. As the first cathedral built after Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion, it holds immense significance for the Armenian people. With its vibrant murals restored, structural repairs completed, and a new cross atop its dome, the cathedral is ready to continue serving as a symbol of faith and resilience for generations to come.