This archival postcard from 1971 features one of the most significant monuments of Armenian architecture and spiritual culture – the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, located in the city of Vagharshapat, the historical center of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
What is shown on the postcard
The 1971 postcard depicts the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which comprises a complex of buildings. The central part of the cathedral with its characteristic dome and belfry is visible. Next to the cathedral, an entrance arch or gate leading to the monastery complex grounds is captured. The buildings are constructed from tuff stone, giving them a distinctive warm hue. Green foliage highlights the ancient architectural forms.
Historical note
Etchmiadzin Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in the world, founded in the early 4th century (circa 301-303 AD) by Saint Gregory the Illuminator after Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion. It serves as the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the supreme patriarch. The cathedral has undergone numerous reconstructions and expansions over the centuries, including significant renovations in the 5th, 7th, and 17th centuries.
According to legend, the site for the cathedral’s construction was revealed to Gregory the Illuminator in a dream, where he saw the Only Begotten Son of God (Jesus Christ) strike the ground with a golden hammer, from which a pillar of light rose, surrounded by clouds and angels. Hence the name “Etchmiadzin,” meaning “The Only Begotten Descended.”
Present day
Currently, the Etchmiadzin Cathedral functions as the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It continues to be a pilgrimage site and a vital cultural landmark. In 2000, the cathedral and its surrounding monastery complex were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, affirming its outstanding universal value. The complex is regularly undergoing restoration work to preserve its historical and architectural integrity.
Location (map)
Address: Vazgen I Street, Vagharshapat, Armavir Province, Armenia
Coordinates: 40.160500, 44.291700
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Vagharshapat, Armenia.
Questions and answers
- What is depicted on the 1971 postcard? The postcard depicts the Etchmiadzin Cathedral and an entrance arch to its territory.
- When was the Etchmiadzin Cathedral founded? The cathedral was founded in the early 4th century, circa 301-303 AD, after Armenia adopted Christianity.
- Why is Etchmiadzin Cathedral called “Etchmiadzin”? The name “Etchmiadzin” comes from the legend of Gregory the Illuminator’s vision, where Jesus Christ appeared, meaning “The Only Begotten Descended.”
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Yerevan from 1971.
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