We stayed at the Hotel Armenia in the heart of Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan. We were part of the Diocese’s pilgrimage to Holy Etchmiadzin to witness the Blessing of the Holy Muron at the Cathedral by His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians on Sunday, September 8, 1996.

Prior to that, our great adventure began with a sightseeing tour of Yerevan, a visit to the 1915 Genocide Memorial Monument in Tzitzernakabert, and then to the monument of Mother Armenia in Hakhtanak Park. These sites were incredibly heartwarming and awe-inspiring, as well as informative. At the Genocide memorial, the architecture and the Armenian inscriptions on the walls overwhelmed me. I was especially touched when we walked down the stairs inside the Genocide Memorial, made a circle around the eternal flame, held hands as a group, and recited the Hayr Mer (Lords Prayer) together in memory of all our deceased victims of the 1915 Genocide. Tears came to our eyes.

The next five days were incredible. We toured the Pagan Temple of Garn, the Cave Churches of Geghard, the National Memorial Monument in Sardarapart, Khorvirab where the "Pit of St. Gregory the Illuminator" is found, and viewed Mt. Ararat, Lake Sevan, and visited the Matendaran which contains a rich collection of manuscripts.

There are not enough words to describe these magnificent sites and the history and rich heritage Armenia possesses. You have to see it yourself. These sites are living proof of our Heritage and Armenian ancient Culture.

As I stood on the wall at Khorvirab, I was looking directly at Mount Ararat, which was a breathtaking site with its snow-capped tops, which they say still holds the remnants of "Noah’s Ark." I will never forget Khorvirab, because it was there that I went down into the Pit where St. Gregory the Illuminator, a Christian, was held prisoner for 14 years by King Drtad, a pagan ruler. The pit was at least 50 feet below the ground and the only access to the bottom was a 3-foot diameter hole with a metal ladder having approximately 37 steps. The hole was just large enough for one person to pass through. At the bottom of the pit which was approximately 15-feet in diameter was a Khatchkar where St. Gregory, a prisoner would pray. When I reached the bottom, I was overcome with emotion because I realized I was standing on "hallowed" ground where St. Gregory suffered in isolation for 14 years.

The culmination of our trip was attending the historical blessing of the Holy Muron at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiazdin. It was the first time, as a Catholicos of All Armenians, that His Holiness Karekin I performed this ceremony. There were thousands of Armenians, young and elderly, in attendance surrounding the Cathedral. It was truly an amazing sight to behold. The Badarak and Blesssing of the Holy Muron was the most beautiful religious ceremony I have ever attended and I feel blessed and thank God that I was able to witness this great event.

A special thanks to Deacon Gregory Krikorian, MA for sharing this experience with us

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