St. Hripsime Church, Etchmiadzin

Echmiadzin is home to three remarkable ancient monuments. These sacred temples were constructed in honor of the martyrs—early Christian women who sought refuge from the persecution of the Roman Emperor. The churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, and St. Shogakat stand on the very sites where these holy maidens met their tragic fate.

The tales of these three martyrs resonate deeply within the Armenian community. In the year 301, a group of 33 Christian women from Cappadocia, an area that now falls within the historical boundaries of Georgia, sought sanctuary in Armenia to escape Roman oppression. Among them was the stunning Hripsime, who fled alongside an elderly abbess named Gayane. Captivated by Hripsime’s beauty, King Trdat proposed to her; however, upon her rejection, he ordered the torture of her and the other nuns. Their bodies were ultimately thrown to wild beasts. Following this brutal execution, Trdat fell gravely ill. It was St. Gregory the Illuminator who came to his aid, burying the remains of the maidens and healing the king. In gratitude, Trdat embraced Christianity and commanded the construction of temples at the sites of the executions.

The St. Hripsime Temple, built in 618, stands as a masterpiece of early Christian architecture. This magnificent structure is celebrated for its harmonious design and elegant simplicity. Its four semicircular niches create a cross shape atop a rectangular base. Beneath the altar lies a crypt where, according to legend, Hripsime was laid to rest. The temple’s adornments are understated, yet striking. In 1790, a two-tiered belfry was added to enhance its presence. Among its treasures is the exquisite patronal gate, crafted in 1741 and adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays. Today, the St. Hripsime Temple is a cherished venue for wedding ceremonies.

Address: Vagharshapat, Mesrop Mashtots Street, 85. Coordinates: 40.16699, 44.30946.