Artashat, November 11, 2024.
Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. The discovery was made in the ancient Armenian city of Artashat and sheds light on the history of the spread of Christianity in the region in the first centuries AD, Christian Today newspaper reported.
It is considered the oldest known church in the country: scientists date it to the 4th century - the period, When Armenia became the first country in the world to establish Christianity as its state religion.
This amazing find is the result of joint efforts of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia and the University of Münster in Germany within the framework of the joint Armenian-German project "Artashat".
Since 2018, a team of archaeologists has been excavating the site and recently discovered the remains of an octagonal church with cross-shaped annexes - a type of construction previously unknown in Armenia, but characteristic of the early Christian architecture of the Eastern Mediterranean.
"This 4th-century religious building is the oldest known church in Armenia and an amazing testimony to early Christianity in the country," said Professor Achim Lichtenberger of the University of Münster.
Dr. Mkrtich Zardarian from the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia shares the enthusiasm of his German colleague: he noted that "Octagonal churches have not been seen here so far, but we know them well from the Eastern Mediterranean region, where they first appeared in the 4th century."
Located near the historically significant ancient monastery of Khor Virap (translated as "deep prison") almost on the border with Turkey, almost at the foot of the Biblical Mount Ararat and near the place where, according to legend, St. Gregory, the Illuminator of Great Armenia (+ 326; Commemorated in the Orthodox Church on September 30 / October 13), converted King Tiridates (Trdat) III the Great (reigned 287-330) to Christianity in 301 AD.) to Christianity in 301, this church serves as a powerful reminder of Armenia's significant role in the early Christian world.
Founded in the 2nd century B.C. by King Artashes I, the city of Artashat (translated as "city" or "joy of Artashes"), the capital of the ancient Armenian kingdom of Greater Armenia, flourished as a Hellenistic metropolis and remained the capital of the ancient Armenian kingdom of Great Armenia. an important center for centuries. The discovered church provides a better understanding of early Christian architecture and emphasizes Armenia's role as a significant stronghold of Christianity.
As excavations continue, researchers hope to learn more details, including who the church was dedicated in honor of.
Each new discovery promises to shed more light on Armenia's early history and changes in the region's architectural styles, especially the places of worship that contributed to the growth of Christianity in the land.
Source: https://www.christiantoday.com
