Etchmiadzin, also Echmiatsin, Echmiadzin, Ejmiatsin is the spiritual centre of Armenia and the seat of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the head of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church. It is the most populous city in Armavir province, about 20 km west of Yerevan. The 1989 census counted the population of Etchmiadzin as 61,000; it has declined considerably since: 56,388 in the 2001 census, and an estimated 52,757 in 2008.
The city originated as Vardkesavan or Vardgesavan in the 4th or 3rd century BC. King Vagharsh (117-140) had the name changed to Vagharshapat, which still persists as the official appellation of the city. Several decades later the city became the capital of Armenia and remained the country's most important city until the 4th century AD.
Over the centuries the city has borne several other names, including: Avan Vardgesi, Artemed, Iejmiatsin, Kaynepolis, Kayrak’aghak’, Norak’aghak’, Uch’k’ilisa, Üçkilise, and Valeroktista. |
