“Christianity & the Amazing Armenians: 10 Facts”
In the history of Christianity, Armenia holds a special distinction—it was the first nation to officially
adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 A.D. This historic event, led by St. Gregory the
Illuminator and King Tiridates III, shaped the course of Armenian identity and strengthened its
commitment to the Christian faith for over 1,700 years.
A recent campaign, Christianity & the Amazing Armenians: 10 Facts, by Khachkar Studios, has
reminded the world of this incredible milestone. With over 1.5 million views through newspaper ads
and a widely shared podcast, the initiative has sparked renewed interest in Armenia’s deep
Christian roots.
Armenia’s journey to Christianity began long before its official conversion. The Apostles Thaddeus
and Bartholomew brought the Gospel to Armenia in the 1st century, establishing one of the earliest
Christian communities outside of Jerusalem. Their missionary work laid the foundation for what
would become a nation deeply tied to faith.
Even after converting to Christianity, Armenians faced numerous challenges, including invasions
and periods of persecution. However, their commitment to faith remained unshaken. The
development of the Armenian alphabet in 405 A.D. allowed for the translation of the Bible into
Armenian, making religious texts more accessible and strengthening the church’s role in Armenian
society.
Today, Armenian Christianity is recognized for its rich traditions, including the Badarak (Divine
Liturgy), which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The 10 Facts campaign has
emphasized how Armenian Christians have carried their faith through generations, despite historical
adversities.
The overwhelming response to the campaign has shown that the legacy of Armenia’s early Christian
history continues to inspire people worldwide. Many readers have expressed appreciation for
learning about Armenia’s role in Christianity, with one saying, “I had no idea Armenia was the first
Christian nation. This makes me want to explore my own faith’s history.”
Khachkar Studios is dedicated to furthering this conversation, ensuring that Armenia’s Christian
legacy remains a source of pride and knowledge for believers everywhere.
For more information, visit www.khachkarstudios.com
