Gevorkian Seminary, Etchmiadzin

Completed in 1874, the main edifice of the Gevorkian Seminary, prominently positioned at the center and right of the complex, stands as a cornerstone of what is widely regarded as Armenia’s oldest university.

The Gevorkian Theological Seminary is a distinguished theological university affiliated with the Armenian Apostolic Church, situated in Etchmiadzin—the fourth largest city in Armenia and the spiritual heart of the nation. Nestled within the sacred precincts of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the seminary serves as a vital institution for religious education and clerical formation.

The seminary faced closure in 1917 when its facilities became a refuge for survivors of the Armenian genocide. Subsequent efforts to reopen the institution were consistently hindered by Soviet authorities, delaying its revival until 1945. Since then, the seminary has flourished, continuing its mission to educate and ordain clergy.

The curriculum at the academy is comprehensive, encompassing essential disciplines such as logic, rhetoric, psychology, world history, philosophy, and a variety of languages. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of Ancient Greek, Russian, English, as well as both modern and classical Armenian.