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Famous British news agency BBC has published an article about Armenia’s past as the first Cristian country, its traditions and the cultural heritage.

“With a population of only 3 million people, Armenia is one of the smallest countries in Europe. But it has a sizable place in spiritual history: most historians believe that in 301 AD, it became the first country in the world to adopt Christianity. Today, around 95% of Armenians are Christian, and the country’s pious history can be traced back through some of its ancient sites and monuments,” reads the article.

The report goes on presenting the traditions of the adoption of Christianity by Armenians, citing the references on Gregory the Illuminator in historical and religious works, as well as the story of King Tiridates III, who declared Christianity the official state religion, which further spread throughout the entire country.

The article also makes a reference to the pagan past and content of the Armenian culture, in particular presenting the stories of the Garni Temple and Zorats Church in Yeghegis.

“Northeast of Garni is the Monastery of Geghard. A Unesco World Heritage Site, the monastery was first founded in the 4th Century by Gregory the Illuminator following the Christianisation of Armenia, but other structures in the complex date up to the 13th Century. Previously named Airivank, or ‘cave monastery’, some of Geghard’s chambers extend into the adjacent mountain, giving them a cavernous look.

According to the legend, the monastery was named Geghard (which means ‘spear’ in Armenian) around this time, when the spear that allegedly pierced Jesus Christ on the cross was brought to the site,” reads the article.