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Armenia and Christianity

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Armenia is a country located in the southern Caucasus region. Christianity is said to have first arrived in Armenia in the year 301 AD, making it one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. The Armenian king Tiridates III was converted to Christianity by St Gregory the Illuminator after being tortured and imprisoned by the king himself. St Gregory is also credited with curing the king of a debilitating illness. Christianity then quickly spread throughout Armenia and became the country's national religion.

Who is Gregory the Illuminator?

Gregory the Illuminator was the man who first introduced Christianity to Armenia. He was also responsible for converting the Armenian king Tiridates III to the Christian faith.

Why did King Tiridates III torture and imprison Gregory the Illuminator?

King Tiridates III tortured and imprisoned Gregory the Illuminator because he was trying to prevent Christianity from spreading throughout Armenia.

How did Gregory the Illuminator convert the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity?

Gregory the Illuminator is said to have converted the Armenian king Tiridates III to Christianity after healing him of a debilitating

Branches of Christianity in Armenia

There are two main branches of Christianity in Armenia: the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church. The Armenian Apostolic Church is an autocephalous Eastern Christian church that recognizes the authority of the Catholic Church but is not in communion with it. On the other hand, the Catholic Church is in full communion with the Pope and the rest of the Catholic Church.

Christianity has played a significant role in the history and identity of the Armenian people. Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion, and the Armenian Apostolic Church has played a central role in the country's history and culture. Christianity has also been a source of strength and comfort for Armenians during times of hardship, such as the Armenian Genocide.

Beliefs of the Armenian Apostolic Church:

  • The Bible is the authoritative source of religious teachings.

  • There is one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

  • Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross to save humanity from its sins.

  • Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He will return to judge the living and the dead.

  • Humanity is fallen and in need of salvation. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

  • The church is the body of Christ on earth, consisting of all those who have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

  • The church is led by bishops, who are successors of the apostles.

  • The sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, instituted by Christ, that give us communion with God. There are seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, marriage, and ordination.

  • We will experience both physical and spiritual resurrection. At the end of time, Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, and those who have been saved will spend eternity in heaven with God.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church is in communion with the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. However, it is not in communion with the Protestant churches.

What are the differences in beliefs between the Catholic and Armenian Apostolic Church?

The main differences in beliefs between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church are as follows:

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church does not recognize the authority of the Pope.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine, while the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is true God and true man.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church does not believe in purgatory, while the Catholic Church does.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church allows for the marriage of priests, while the Catholic Church does not.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church believes that the sacraments are outward signs of inward grace, while the Catholic Church believes that the sacraments are instituted by Christ and confer grace upon those who receive them.

Why is the Armenian Apostolic Church not in communion with the protestant churches?

The Armenian Apostolic Church is not in communion with the protestant churches because of differences in beliefs, such as the following:

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that the Bible is the authoritative source of religious teachings, while many protestant churches teach that the Bible is not the only authority.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that there is one God who exists in three persons, while many protestant churches teach that there is only one person in the Trinity.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that humanity is fallen and in need of salvation, while many protestant churches teach that humanity is not fallen and does not need salvation.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church believes in seven sacraments, while many protestant churches do not believe in any sacraments.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that we will experience both physical and spiritual resurrection, while many protestant churches teach that we will only experience spiritual resurrection.

  • The Armenian Apostolic Church teaches that Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, while many protestant churches teach that Jesus has already returned or will not return.