The Etchmiadzin Cathedral reopened after years of restoration.

On September 29, after years of restoration, the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin finally reopened. This marked the first time since 303 that the Cathedral was reconsecrated. Numerous guests from around the world attended the ceremony, led by the Catholicos of All Armenians. Government officials also attended the ceremony, including the Prime Minister, the President, and the Speaker of Parliament, other cultural and academic figures, public figures, businessmen, and thousands of Armenian pilgrims from Armenia and the Diaspora. Delegations from the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches were also among the guests.

From the Residence of the Catholicos, a solemn Patriarchal procession proceeded to the Cathedral, where His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

Reconstruction work on the Cathedral began in 2012. Initially, the building’s façade was restored, after which the cathedral was closed to visitors and reconstruction work began on the interior. Now, after a long hiatus, parishioners and numerous guests will once again be able to visit the main church of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

And the day before, on September 28, the ceremony of the consecration of the Holy Chrism, which takes place every seven years, took place in Etchmiadzin.

With the reopening of the Cathedral, visiting Etchmiadzin will finally return to our numerous programs.