Armenia’s Etchmiadzin Cathedral Restored After Six Years: A Historic Rebirth Unveiled

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the spiritual hub for Armenians worldwide, has undergone extensive renovations, marking an important chapter in the history of the 4th-century cathedral. At a recent press conference in Armenia, major announcements were made about the ongoing transformation of the Cathedral of Saint Etchmiadzin, including structural repairs, the construction of a Catholicos mausoleum, and the addition of a new bronze cross.

The Cathedral of Saint Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church, is one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in the world, and its most recent renovation was long overdue. Bishop Moushegh Babayan, Director of the Administrative and Economic Department of the Mother See, emphasized the significance of the restoration works.

“The cathedral was in desperate need of a fundamental repair,” Bishop Babayan explained. He elaborated on the necessity of structural repairs to key elements, including the foundation, frame, roof, and load-bearing walls—works not seen since the reign of Catholicos Movses III Tatevatsi in the 1620s.

The fundamental repairs covered the cathedral’s floors, pillars, and even the cross on the main dome. The cathedral had closed its doors to the public for six years, and the renovation works are now complete. The ceremony for re-consecrating the cathedral is scheduled for September 28-29, alongside the sacred Holy Myron ceremony.

While the nationwide fundraiser initially planned for the renovation was disrupted by the pandemic and war, the Armenian Patriarch chose to redirect those funds to aid the Armenian army and citizens in need. Nevertheless, a dozen benefactors, along with national funds, have made it possible for the restoration to be completed. Bishop Babayan noted that when all the financial reports are ready, the final costs will be disclosed to the public.

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the renovation is the restoration of the cathedral’s frescoes. Over centuries, the vibrant murals created by the famous Hovnatanian family had been dulled by layers of soot and smoke. However, after thorough cleaning and restoration, the murals have been returned to their original brilliance.

“Beauty was hidden from our eyes under the layer created by the existence of years of soot and smoke,” said Bishop Babayan. “Now, thanks to our restoration specialists, the cathedral’s colors are as bright as they were centuries ago.”

No holy table or altar was moved during the renovation, and all historical elements have been preserved in accordance with UNESCO’s requirements. The cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, underwent extensive research and planning before any renovation work began, ensuring that modern materials and methods would not compromise its historical integrity.

Architect Amiran Badishyan announced another important update: the cathedral will soon have a new bronze cross. The original cross, installed in the 17th century, had deteriorated over time due to damage and rust. While the old cross has been preserved and is now displayed in a museum, a new bronze cross replicating the original design has been created and installed atop the cathedral’s dome.

“The new cross repeats the style and dimensions of the dismantled one,” said Architect Badishyan. “It is a fitting symbol for this new era in the cathedral’s history.”

Another notable announcement came from Reverend Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Chairman of the Mother See Publications and Events Organizing Committee. He revealed that the bell tower area of the cathedral no longer has space for the burial of Catholicos, the highest-ranking bishop in the Armenian Church. The cathedral’s yard, although historically used for such purposes, is not large enough to continue this practice.

"The square of the Mother Cathedral is not like St. Peter’s square in its dimensions, and there is no more space there," said Archbishop Hovhannisian. "Therefore, His Holiness the Patriarch was advised not to hold burials in the churchyard, so that the yard doesn’t turn into a cemetery."

In response to the space constraints, a mausoleum dedicated to future Catholicos burials is under construction. This mausoleum will also serve as a chapel and a candle-lighting hall for the faithful, as candle lighting will no longer be permitted inside the cathedral after its re-consecration. However, when asked about the funding for the mausoleum, Archbishop Hovhannisian declined to disclose details, citing the donor’s privacy.

The long-awaited re-consecration of the Cathedral of Saint Etchmiadzin is scheduled to take place on September 28-29, 2024. The blessing of the Holy Spirit will be held in the open shrine of St. Trdat on September 28, followed by the re-consecration ceremony inside the cathedral the next morning. Invitations to the event have already been sent to church officials, government representatives, and international guests.

As this chapter in the cathedral’s long history comes to a close, the Mother See is confident that the newly restored cathedral will stand for millennia. “We’ve just fixed it, straightened its backbone,” said Architect Badishyan. “If it does not end up in a force majeure situation, this temple can really stand forever.”

The renovation of the Cathedral of Saint Etchmiadzin represents more than just a restoration of a physical structure—it is a renewal of the spiritual heart of Armenia. As the first cathedral built after Armenia adopted Christianity as its state religion, the cathedral holds immense significance for the Armenian people. With its vibrant murals restored, structural repairs completed, and a new cross atop its dome, the cathedral is ready to continue its role as a symbol of faith and resilience for generations to come.