Armenia was the first country in the world to declare itself a Christian nation, in 301 AD. It is said that Jesus’ disciples, Bartholomew and Thaddeus, brought the Gospel to Armenia. The Armenian Apostolic Church, an Orthodox church, developed from this, and Orthodox is still the majority religion today.
Called the land of churches, Armenia is scattered with centuries-old monasteries, churches, and cathedrals. Pictured below is Tatev Monastery, built in the 9th century. A cableway called Wings of Tatev, goes between the monastery and a nearby village. It holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s “longest non-stop double track cable car”.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral, built in 303, was the first cathedral built in Armenia, and is the oldest cathedral in the world.
Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark landed, is considered the national symbol of Armenia. Although it is now within the borders of Turkey, the mountain once was part of Armenia. It is believed that the ark is still embedded in the ice atop the mountain. The Armenian coat of arms features Mount Ararat in the center of the shield, with flood waters receding and the ark on top of the mountain.
Armenia has been a country for 2,500 years. Because of it’s strategic location between Asia and Europe, it has been ruled by many different empires over the centuries. The country still has tension with the neighboring countries on either side. The tension with Azerbaijan is over Nargorno-Karabakh, an area of land within the borders of Azerbaijan, claiming union with Armenia. The tension with Turkey stems from an Armenian genocide by the Turks that took place 1915-17, which Turkey refuses to recognize. Please pray for trust and cooperation between these three countries.
Armenians are a global people because the population of the country is 3 million, and 8 million more live in other countries. This emigration was mostly caused by the Armenian genocide. An estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed in this genocide. Above is pictured a memorial dedicated to the victims, with an eternal flame burning in the center.
The population is 94% Christian and 4% non-religious. It is an island of Christianity in a sea of Islam. The Orthodox church is so embedded in the Armenian culture, that it can be more of a tradition than a personal faith. Evangelical churches are growing, but face occasional distrust and suspicion from the main denomination. Please pray for unity among denominations and revitalized faith.
Update!
I was just reading in my Bible in 2 Kings 19:36-37 about the king of Assyria who lived in Nineveh and escaped to the land of Ararat. It is believed that Nineveh, (where Jonah went), was in what is now Armenia! It is so incredible to realize I’m in a region that is mention in the Bible!
I am now on a new team, Team Ohana. There are 4 of us: Stone, Parker, me, Ashley.
Prayer requests:
For our new team to be unified and be a family (Ohana means family in Hawaiian!)
Direction as we do more open ministry/Ask The Lord
Stamina and continued enthusiasm as we enter our 9th month of this trip! Wow!
I can’t wait to tell you soon about my parents coming out to visit me!
Blessings, Susanna
Sources:
Operation World by Jason Mandryk
“25 Amazing Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Armenia” The Telegraph
“16 Interesting Facts About Armenia” Madlovelyworld.com
