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Saint Hripsime Church was built in Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat), Armenia on the orders of Catholicos Komitas I Aghtsetsi (r. 615–628) and dedicated to Saint Hripsime (d. c. 290 CE) who was one of Armenia's first Christian martyrs. The site had previously been occupied by a Greco-Roman temple similar to the one at Garni as well as a martyrium, which was destroyed by the Sasanian Empire in the 4th century CE. The current structure was consecrated in 618 CE, and the church contains the tomb of Saint Hripsime. The architectural complexity of the church is widely considered as one of the great achievements of medieval Armenian architecture.
About the Author
James is a writer and former Professor of History. He holds an MA in World History with a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of Ancient History Encyclopedia and its Communications Director.
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