Christianity is one of the oldest and most widespread religions in the world, with more than two billion followers. But where did it all begin? Where was the first Christian church built? Many people might think of Jerusalem, Rome, or Constantinople as the birthplaces of Christianity, but the answer is actually much more surprising. The oldest Christian cathedral in the world is not located in the Middle East or Europe, but in a small country in the Caucasus region: Armenia.
The Monastery of St. Echmiadzin: A Symbol of Armenian Faith and Identity
The Monastery of St. Echmiadzin, also known as the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the oldest national church in the world. It is located in the city of Vagharshapat, about 20 kilometers from the capital Yerevan. It was built in the early fourth century, between 301 and 303, by Armenia’s patron saint Gregory the Illuminator, following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tiridates III12
According to tradition, St. Gregory had a vision of Christ descending from heaven and striking the ground with a golden hammer, indicating where the cathedral should be built. The name Etchmiadzin means “the place where the Only Begotten descended” in Armenian3 The cathedral was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. It is considered the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and often regarded as the oldest cathedral in the world1
The Monastery of St. Echmiadzin has been the center of Armenian Christianity for centuries, and has strongly influenced the formation of several Coptic institutions, and has promoted monasticism in general. Several patriarchs have come from the monastery, and several hundred pilgrims visit it each day1 It is also a symbol of Armenian national identity, as it has witnessed many historical events and survived many invasions and persecutions. The cathedral has been renovated and expanded several times, incorporating styles of different periods of Armenian architecture. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, along with the nearby churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and St. Shoghakat, and the archaeological site of Zvartnots4
The Monastery of St. Anthony: A Misconception
Some people might mistakenly believe that the first Christian edifice is the Monastery of St. Anthony in the eastern desert of Egypt, near the Red Sea. The Monastery of St. Anthony is indeed one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in the world, and a significant site for Coptic Christianity. It was established by the followers of St. Anthony the Great, an early Christian monk who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries, and is considered the father of monasticism56
However, the Monastery of St. Anthony was not built until a few years after the death of St. Anthony, around 300 AD, during the reign of Constantius Chlorus5 Therefore, it is not the first Christian edifice, but rather the second oldest Christian cathedral in the world, after the Monastery of St. Echmiadzin. The Monastery of St. Anthony is also a remarkable example of Coptic architecture and art, and contains one of the most significant collections of wall paintings in Egypt. It is still inhabited by about 120 monks who follow the traditions and examples set by St. Anthony and his disciples6
Conclusion
The Monastery of St. Echmiadzin and the Monastery of St. Anthony are both ancient and venerable Christian sites that reflect the rich and diverse history and culture of Christianity. They are both worth visiting and learning from, as they offer a glimpse into the origins and development of one of the world’s major religions. However, it is important to recognize the difference between them, and to acknowledge the Monastery of St. Echmiadzin as the oldest Christian cathedral in the world, and the Monastery of St. Anthony as the second oldest. By doing so, we can appreciate the unique and distinctive contributions of each Christian community to the global faith.
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