Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum

Type: Age: 1869 Region: Armavir Diocese: Under the auspice of the Mother See

The Museum of the Mother Cathedral is situated in the southeast section of St. Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral. Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Kevork IV (1866-1882), built the museum in 1869. The museum wraps around the main altar on the south and east sides.

Unique holy relics and religious art are now exhibited in the museum. Among the treasures kept here are the Holy Lance, which pierced the side of Christ, housed in a silver reliquary; the relics of Noah’s Ark in a reliquary crafted in 1698; relics of the Apostles, Sts. Thaddeus, Bartholomew and Andrew, and St. George; Khotekerats Sourp Nishan reliquary with the relic of Jesus Christ’s wooden cross (914-929); the cross of King Ashot Yerkat (the Iron) (914-928) with its chest, one of the oldest processional crosses in existence; the cross of King Hovhannes-Smbat (John-Smbat) (1020-1040) of Ani, made of mountainous crystal; the wooden icon from Havouts Tar Monastery (10^th century).

In addition to the pieces on display, visitors are able to see an exhibit which is located underneath the Cathedral’s Holy Main Altar. In 1958, during archaeological excavations which were conducted due to renovation work of the Holy Altar, remnants of the original Holy Altar, founded by St. Grigor Lusavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator), dating back to 301-303 AD, were discovered. Visitors may also see remnants of a pagan fire altar, atop of which the original Holy Altar was constructed.

In addition to these altars, another altar, built in the 5^th century, with its columned bases, bema and the foundation stone of the altar, was also discovered.

The multiple layers of the Cathedral allow visitors to see the changes in colour and texture of the Cathedral as it changed through time.

See also

• Cathedral Museum page at armenianchurch.org
  
• Museum Interior (photos)

Visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum via following packages:

Armenia and the Armenians | 14 days, 15 nights

Destinations/Sites: Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum, Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gandzasar Monastery, Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Haghartsin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hripsime Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Marmashen Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Noravank Monastery, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Pontifical Residence Museum, Sanahin Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery, Tegher Monastery
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Karabakh,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Artsakh,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
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From Noah till Nowadays | 12 days, 13 nights

Destinations/Sites: Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gayane Church, Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Haghartsin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hayravank Monastery, Hripsime Church, Karmravor Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Makaravank Monastery, Marmashen Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Mughni Monastery (St. Gevork Monastery), Noratus Khachkar (Cross-Stone) “Forest”, Noravank Monastery, Odzun St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Pontifical Residence Museum, Saghmosavank Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery, Shoghakat Church, Vanadzor Srbots Mankants (Holy Children) Chapel, Yerevan St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) Cathedral, Yerevan Surb Yerrordutiun (Holy Trinity) Church, Zvartnots Cathedral
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
Apply Now!

Holy Relics and Shrines | 7 days, 8 nights

Destinations/Sites: Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gandzasar Monastery, Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Goshavank (Nor Getik) Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hovhannavank Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Mughni Monastery (St. Gevork Monastery), Noravank Monastery, Odzun St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Tatev Monastery, Yerevan St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) Cathedral, Yerevan St. Zoravor Church, Zvartnots Cathedral
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Armavir,  Karabakh,  Lori,  Syunik,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Artsakh,  Gougark,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
Apply Now!