Armenia entered a new phase of architectural development with the adoption of Christianity as the state religion in 301. City-building and other forms of architecture entered a new and long-lasting developmental phase while preserving older traditions. Armenian Chistian or medieval architecture has four distinct developmental phases:

a. Early Medieval ( 4th through 7th centuries )
b. Medieval ( 10th through 11th centuries )
c. Advanced Medieval ( 12th through 14th centuries )
d. Late Medieval ( 17th through 19th centuries )

    In the early Christian period in Armenia (4th through 7th centuries), church architecture proceeded with the creation of various basilical and domed prayer houses. Armenian architecture carved its national style with the construction of the cathedrals of St. Etchmiadzin, Ereruk, Hripsime, and Zvartnotz. During the 9th through 11th centuries and specially the during 12th through 14th centuries, Armenian architecture proceeded on the same developmental path and created new masterpieces: the monasteries of Tadev, Aghtamar, Horomos, Khtskonk, Marmarashen, Sanahin, Haghpat ( 9th through 11th centuries), Kecharis, Haghartsin, Goshavank, Magaravank, Ohannavank, Saghmosavank, Harichavank, and Noravank (12th through 14th centuries).

    Armenian church architecture entered its late medieval stage in the 17th century, but this stage could not match the standards achieved during the preceding periods. During this phase, the monasteries of Khor Virap, Mughni, Shatin, Shinuhayr, Bekh, and Halidzor were constructed as well as the churches of Shoghakat, St. Zoravar of Erevan, St. Hovannes, St. Hakob, and St. Astvatsatsin of Kanaker.
    Etchmiadzin is one of the oldest cities on the Ararat Plain. In the past, Armenians called the city Vagharshapat in honor of the Armenian king Vagharsh I Arshakuni (117-140). At the beginning of the fourth century, Vagharshapat became the center of Armenian Christianity. Here, the first church of Armenia, the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, as well as the chapels over the grave-sites of the martyred virgins, Hripsime and Gayane, were constructed.
    The Cathedral of Etchmiadzin was built between 301 and 303 during the reigns of King Trdat HI and Gregory the Illuminator, founder and first patriarch of the Armenian Church. According to the historian Agathangelos, the name Etchmiadzin is derived from an ancient tradition: St. Gregory the Illuminator is said to have had a vision in which Jesus Christ descended onto the Ararat Plain with a golden hammer in hand and indicated the site where a cathedral must be built. The "Ijman Seghan" or Altar of Descent at the center of the cathedral is said to be part of this same tradition.
    The design of the cathedral has evolved somewhat since the 4th century. Initially, the cathedral was a basilica-type structure. Its present-day central-domed, cross-type composition is the result of 5th century reconstruction during the reign of Prince Vahan Mamikonian as well as 7th century renovations during the era of Catholicoses Komitas and Nerses III. In the center of the large prayer hall, the four strong supports - connected to each another and to the walls across - carry the main dome that crowns the whole structure. This composition, shaped during the 5th through the 7th centuries, is preserved in essence to the present.
    The primitive forms of the cathedral changed considerably with more recent additions. The structural changes are especially obvious around the small and large domes (1627), the west side belfry (1658), and the museum wing added to the east side (1869). The interior walls and dome ceiling of the cathedral were painted with decorative motifs during the 18th century by the painters Naghash, Hakob, Harutune, and Hovnatan Hovnatanians.

    The radical renovations of the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin began in 1954 and continued during the reign of Catholicos Vazgen I until 1965. During partial excavations within the cathedral, some noteworthy finds were made. Among the most interesting were: a hearthlike firepit, most probably a remnant of a pre-christian temple; an Urartian memorial structure; a slab used in mass; remnants of mosaics and wallpaintings; and ancient foundation stones. These finds reaffirmed the fact that the Etchmiadzin Cathedral was built on an older, pre-Christian worship site.
    The Church of Hripsime is one of the churches built on the gravesites of the martyred Christian virgins. It is located to the east side of the modern city of Etchmiadzin. Historical testimonies as well as two inscriptions at the site confirm that Catholicos Komitas built the present church in 618 on the site of a late 4th century chapel.
    The Church of Hripsime is an early example of the central-domed, cross-shaped Armenian church. As such, it constitutes one of the masterpieces of early medieval Armenian architecture. The floor plan composition of the church represents a cross shape drawn within a rectangular parameter, the wings of the cross forming semicircular recesses. In the four corners there are square vestment rooms. The external design of the church is noteworthy for its classical simplicity.
    Since 618, the church has undergone several changes. The church was renovated radically in 1652 and again during the 17th century when the belfry was added to the east side. During the 1959-1962 renovations a number of segments from ancient structures were discovered in the foundations of the church.
    The Church of Gayane is the second church in Vagharshapat or Etchmiadzin connected with the tradition of the martyred virgins. It was built in 630, during the reign of the Catholicos Yezr, on the site of the chapel covering the gravesite of the virgin St. Gayane.
    The Church of Gayane is one of the most significant structures of early medieval Armenian church architecture. Its design represents another type: the domed basilica. The exterior and interior architecture of the church is unitary and characterized by its classical simplicity. The Church of Gayane underwent considerable renovations during 1662 as well as 1960-1978.
    The Church of Shoghakat was built in 1694, during the reign of Catholicos Nahapet. It represents a church structure known as the "domed hall", developed during the 6th and 7th centuries. Like the churches of St. Hripsime and St. Gayane, St. Shoghakat was renovated and improved during the reign of Catholicos Vazgen I.

VARAZDAT HAROUTIUNIAN