Christianity was proclaimed as the state religion of Armenia in 301.
A trip to the Holy centre of Armenia to the town of Echmiadzin, until 1946 known as Vagharshapat - one of the ancient capitals of historical Armenia. Visiting the First Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin founded in 303, the churches of St. Hripsime (607), St. Gayane (630), St. Shoghakat (XVI c.) – martyrs to the Christian faith and the temple of Zvartnots ( temple of “Vigil forces”, “Celestial Angels”) VII century.

Visiting Museums and Treasury of St. Echmiadzin, where the guests will see a piece of Noah’s Ark, the lance by which a roman warrior pierced the body of the crucified Christ, relics of Apostles and Saints, a relic from the cross of the Lord and many others.

Participation in the daily or solemn divine services in accordance with the church calendar.

Back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Note: (The first day and the last day of the tour program will be adjusted based on your actual arrival and departure time).

Visiting the religious monuments of the capital city Yerevan. Historical review.

On the ruins of Erebuni fortress (Arin Berd hill) you will find the remains of the temples in honor of the gods of the urartean pantheon (VIII century BC.) with opulent mural paintings.

Though the ancient Christian churches in the territory of Yerevan have been destroyed, there are several churches still survived, founded on the relics of the first Christian martyrs – churches of Zoravor, St. Hovhannes, St. Katoghike, St. Hakob, St. Astvatsatsin, St. Sargis and others.

The cathedral of Surb Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) was consecrated in Yerevan in 2001- as a symbol of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a state religion in Armenia. Now, with its whole beauty and majesty, it is visible from the numerous corners of Yerevan.

The guests have the opportunity to participate in the evening divine liturgy in any of the above-mentioned churches.

Visiting Ararat valley. A visit to Khor Virap Monastery “deep pit”. According to Armenian historian Agatangeghos (5th c.) the future first patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church, Grigor Lusavorich was imprisoned in this dungeon for 13 years.

The monastery is several hundred meters away from the border between Armenia and Turkey, on the higher, left bank of Arax river. From here opens a panoramic view of Mount Ararat.

A trip through the picturesque canyon of the river Arpa in Vayots Dzor province. Visiting the monastery of Noravank. One of the masterpieces of medieval Armenian architecture – Noravank, the religious centre of Syunik province, was built in the XIII - XIV centuries by architects Siranes and Momik and is known for its laced stone ornaments.

Back to Yerevan. Overnight in the hotel.

Excursion in Matenadaran - the depositary of numerous ancient manuscripts.

From the pilgrim’s perspective Matenadaran may be an important destination since the Christian manuscripts (gospels, homilies, etc.) housed here are fruits of years of hard work and prayers of the monks who scribed them.

A trip to Kotayk Province with a visit to Garni castle (III c. BC- XIII c.AD) – the summer residence of Armenian kings and the pagan temple of Sun built by Armenian king Trdat Arshakuni (Arshakid) in 77 as well as other architectural monuments.

The history of religion.

Visiting the Monastery of Geghard (Monastery of the Lance, XII – XIII cc.). The name of Geghard is connected with the biblical lance which was preserved here. As it is mentioned in the Bible, by this lance a roman warrior pierced the body of the crucified Christ. Later the lance was brought to Armenia by St. Thaddeus and Bartholomew. (What is believed to be a remnant of the lance is preserved in the museum at Holy Echmiadzin).

Armenian Sharakans (sacred songs) will be performed in Geghard, some halls of which possess exceptional acoustics.

Back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

A trip to the «blue pearl of Armenia» – Lake Sevan which is situated at an altitude of about 1900 meters above sea level.

Visiting the IX c. monasteries Sevanavank, Hayravank. The trip is carried out either by a boat or along the coastal paths.

Proceeding to Tavush Province along the territory of Dilijan National Park. Visiting the Monastery of Haghartsin which is nestled in thick lush foliated woods of the Tavoush region. It is a live example of harmony between nature and architecture. Religious and secular edifices, the royal graveyard, inscriptions on the walls, and stone crosses made in VII-XIII centuries reflect the history, religious life, architecture, and culture of Medieval Armenia.

The next route will lead to Goshavank Monastery, which was founded by famous Armenian cleric and law codifier Mkhitar Gosh in XII-XIII centuries. The monastery played a prominent role in Armenia’s religious, cultural and educational life through the Middle Ages. Here stands the famous work of sculpture of Varpet (Master) Poghos, a masterpiece of the Armenian craft of carving stone crosses called «khachkars».
A trip to Tsaghkadzor resort with a visit to Kecharis Monastery. In the 12th and 13th centuries Kecharis was a major religious center of Armenia and a place of higher education. There opens a spectacular view on the Monastery from the slopes of Mount Teghenis where the guests can climb by taking a funicular (upon wish).

Back to Yerevan. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

A trip to Shirak region, visiting Panik village where there is the largest catholic community in Armenia. Meeting the community’s clergyman - leader, participation in divine service/ celebration in Catholic church.

Booked lunch in Giumry, accompanied with an outdoor live concert performed by a folk ensemble. A visit to Catholic church in Arevik village. Meeting the representatives of the local Catholic community.

Overnight in the hotel in Gyumri.

Visiting Haghpat Monastery (X-XIV cc.) - a medieval Armenian monastery complex in Lori province. Haghpat monastery was called the Holy Cross church. Holy water fills the small pool in the church. Believers say this water has curative qualities for people with heart conditions.

Visiting Sanahin Monastery – an outstanding monument of medieval Armenian architecture of X- XIVcc., which was a religious and cultural center in the period of Kiurikid kingdom (X-XIIcc.) in medieval Armenia.

Proceeding to Alaverdi – a mining and industrial town, situated at the bottom of the Debed gorge.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Cultural program in Alaverdi.
Lunch.

Proceeding to Aragatsotn region with a visit to Saghmosavank Monastery (XII-XIIIcc). A wonderful view over the gorge of the Kasakh river. On the highway, where the road turns to the mountains there will be a stopover to see the Monuments of Armenian alphabet (Aibbenaran).

Back to Yerevan. Overnight in hotel.

Shopping. Transfer to Zvartnots International Airport. Departure.