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 | |
| Affiliation | Armenian Catholic Church |
| Year consecrated | 24 September 2015 |
| Location | |
| Location | Victory (Haghtanak) Avenue, Gyumri, Shirak Province, Armenia |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Hakob Jivanyan |
| Type | Armenian |
| Style | Circular style |
| Groundbreaking | 8 December 2010 |
| Completed | 2015 |
| Dome(s) | 1 |
Architecture
editThe 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
editOn 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
editOn 25 June 2016, Pope Francis, accompanied by Catholicos Karekin II, visited the cathedral.
Gallery
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Armenian Catholic Church motto on the portal
