Mount Ararat with the historic Khor Virap monastery visible at center-left

Mythology

Agathangelos records that Gregory the Illuminator demolished major pagan temples following King Tiridates III's 301 AD conversion: the Anahit sanctuary at Erznka, the Aramazd temple at Ani-Bagavan, and Astghik shrines at Artashat were reportedly destroyed. The Garni temple was spared, having served a secular royal function rather than active cultic worship.

Agathangelos records that Gregory the Illuminator demolished major pagan temples following King Tiridates III's 301 AD conversion: the Anahit sanctuary at Erznka, the Aramazd temple at Ani-Bagavan, and Astghik shrines at Artashat were reportedly destroyed. The Garni temple was spared, having served a secular royal function rather than active cultic worship.

929Mythology