Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs, Gyumri

Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs (Armenian: Սրբոց Նահատակաց եկեղեցի), in Gyumri, Armenia, is the cathedral of the Ordinariate for Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and Eastern Europe of the Armenian Catholic Church. It is located on the Victory (Haghtanak) Avenue, next to the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Architecture. Construction began in December 2010 and was completed in 2015.[1] The cathedral was originally to be named "Holy Cross", but changed to "Holy Martyrs" in honour of the canonized martyrs of the Armenian genocide.

Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs
Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs
Religion
AffiliationArmenian Catholic Church
Year consecrated24 September 2015
Location
LocationVictory (Haghtanak) Avenue, Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia
Architecture
Architect(s)Hakob Jivanyan
TypeArmenian
StyleCircular style
Groundbreaking8 December 2010
Completed2015
Dome(s)1

Architecture

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The church of the Holy Martyrs is a pastiche of forms derived from medieval Armenian architecture, in particular Zvartnots. It has a belfry at its entrance. The architect is Hakob Jivanyan, while the construction engineer is Hakob Baghdasaryan. The decorative sculptures are composed by Razmik Ayvazyan.[2]

Consecration

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On 24 September 2015, the cathedral was consecrated by Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, and Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. The ceremony was held as part of the commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian genocide. The cathedral is named "Holy Martyrs" in memory of victims of the Armenian genocide (in 2015 the Armenian Apostolic Church canonized them as martyrs).[3][4]

Papal visit

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On 25 June 2016, Pope Francis, accompanied by Catholicos Karekin II, visited the cathedral.

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See also

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References

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40°46′54″N 43°50′43″E / 40.78167°N 43.84528°E / 40.78167; 43.84528

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