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Armenia |
The Khor Virap is an
Armenian monastery located in the Ararat plain, near the border
with Turkey. The monastery was host to a theological seminary and
was the residence of Armenian Catholicos. Khor Virap's notability
as a monastery and pilgrimage site is attributed to the fact that
Gregory the Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for 14
years by King Tiridates III of Armenia. Saint Gregory
subsequently became the king's religious mentor and they led the
proselytizing activity in the country. In the year 301, Armenia
was the first country in the world to be declared a Christian
nation. A chapel was initially built in 642 at the site of Khor
Virap by Nerses III the Builder as a mark of veneration to Saint
Gregory. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly rebuilt. In 1662,
the larger chapel known as the "St. Astvatsatsin" was
built around the ruins of the old chapel, the monastery, the
refectory and the cells of the monks. Now, regular church
services are held in this church. It is one of the most visited
pilgrimage sites in Armenia.
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version. Panoramic pix's are available
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