In Armenian ech-mee-ah-dzeen is the most popular destination in Armenia. According to the old legend, in 4th century, Saint Gregory the Illuminator saw a vision in which Jesus Christ descend from the heavens and struck the ground with a golden hammer and indicated the spot to build a church.
It is the center of Armenian Church and the seat of Armenian Catholicos. The cathedral of Echmidzin was founded in 303 by Saint Grigor. It is the oldest state-built church in over the world. It proves about historical hint that Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
Echmiadzin is a real treasure that everyone visiting in Armenia should visit and see. The cathedral of Echmidzin has Armenian traditional architectural design with number of rotundas. Near the cathedral there is a historical museum which contains numerous religious artifacts, the spear of Geghard, Noah's Ark relics, apostle’s relics, many cool paintings, cultural souvenirs, and illuminated manuscripts. Tourists and visitors wander around the gardens of cathedral to get a look at the carvings and khachkars.
The cathedral of Echmidzin is the symbol of Armenians beliefs and great faith. Armenians are very religious people and until today ready to fight for their beliefs and faith. Armenians built churches every time and everywhere but Echmiadzin is really specific with its sacrament because Jesus Christ himself pointed where to build a church where Armenian people can go and pray to him.
For participation of the 1700 anniversary celebrations of Christianity in Armenia the Roman Catholic Pope John Paul II in a three-day visit arrived to Armenia. In his visit the Roman Catholic Pope John Paul II also has been in Echmiadzin and has admired of the beauty of the historical cathedral.