The Armenian Studies Program web page is sponsored by a grant from
The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable
Foundation, Fresno.
www.etchmiadzin.com/
www.armenianhistory.info/christianity.htm.
www.armeniaemb.org/DiscoverArmenia/ArmenianChurch/Index.htm
The
Christianization
of Armenia was a long and hard process, which was finally
achieved officially in 301 AD. The story of the Armenian people and their
faith
is a very interesting one, which began with two main characters—King Trdat and
St. Gregory the Illuminator. According to Agatangelos,
a fifth-century Armenian
historian, Khosrov was a very powerful king who defended
Emperor
Diocletian was known for his dislike
and persecution of Christians, and raised
the future King Trdat as a pagan. Once Trdat was old enough, he was sent back
to
Gregory
and King Trdat crossed paths and Trdat employed Gregory to serve in his
kingdom. King Trdat loved Gregory
so much that others in the kingdom got
jealous. The king learned that Gregory was a Christian and that he did not
believe in the pagan
religion of
King
Trdat failed in his efforts to marry a beautiful Roman Christian nun, Hripsime.
He put Hripsime to death, but as a consequence
he began to act like a wild
animal. After being in the deep pit for many years, St. Gregory was brought out
of the prison in order to
heal the King. King Trdat accepted Christianity, was
baptized, and made Christianity the state religion of
The
Christianization of the Armenians was one of the most important events in
Armenian history.
