HISTORY

The Araratian Patriarchal Diocese was created at the beginning of the IV century when Christianity was proclaimed as a state religion in Armenia and the entire organic structure of the Armenian Apostolic Church was formed by St. Gregory the Illuminator.
According to the Greek and Arabic editions of Agatangeghos’s (Aghapangel) “History”, “The Saint himself had episcopates built in Ayrarat – in Vagharshapat, Artashat and Dvin and subjected those cities to His See”.
There is no precise information on the initial boundaries of the Araratian Diocese. However, it should unequivocally be assumed that the Diocese included the main part of the Ayrarat Province, the Ararat and the Sharur Valleys, the Kotayk region and the western part of Lake Sevan.
From the very beginning the Diocese of Ararat has been headed by the Catholicos of All Armenians. The first Vicar of the Diocese was Bishop Aghbianos who was called the “Bishop of the Court” by Agatangeghos and the “Great and Honourable” by Buzand.
At the well-known Artashat Council in 499 AD the historian Yeghishe declared Catholicos Hovsep Hoghotsmetsi (441-445) the “Bishop of Ayrarat”. This order was kept for centuries and the Diocese of Ararat is still called “Patriarchal”,being directly led by the Vicar who is appointed by the Catholicos of All Armenians.
For centuries the Diocese of Ayrarat included the Cathedral of St. Etchmiadzin and many famous sacred places, monasteries, educational centres, schools and colleges - the churches of St. Hripsime, St. Gayane, St. Shoghakat, Zvartnots, the monasteries of Khor-Virap, Hovannavank, Ayrivank, Saghmossavank, Aghjots Vank, the Havuts Tar, Bjni, Gndevaz, the St. Mesrop Church in Oshakan, the St. Gevork Church in Mughni and many other churches and monasteries that have been the centres of the Armenian spiritual life.
Along with the whole country and people, the Diocese has passed, up to the XV century, through numerous trials during the invasions of Persian, Byzantine, Arab, Seljuk, Mongol and Turkish tribes.
The restoration of the Holy See in St. Etchmiadzin in 1441 initiated by Tovmas Metzopetsi and Hovhannes Hermonatsi and supported by the Archimandrites Kirakos Rshtunetsi, Sarkis Dzagavanetsi and Tiratsu Vanandetsi was the greatest event for both the Armenian Church and the Araratian Diocese. Being under the shelter of Cilician Armenia for about three centuries, the Catholicosate was reestablished again in Holy Etchmiadzin to continue its important role.
The political role and significance of Yerevan has rapidly increased since the XV century and the Diocese became known as the “Diocese of Yerevan”. The complex of churches that was known as the “Cloister of Yerevan” including the churches of St. Sarkis, St. Hakob and St. Gevorg gained a great authority. Along with many other churches and buildings, the Cloister of Yerevan was completely destroyed during the earthquake in 1679. Later on, the St. Sarkis Church was reconstructed and became the Vicarial Church of the Diocese.
In the XVI-XVII centuries, the territory of the Diocese and other parts of Armenia became the battlefield during the hundred and fifty years’ war between Persia and Ottoman Turkey. According to the treaty signed in 1639, the Diocese fell under the Persian domination (during about 200 years).
In 1828, according to the Russian-Persian Treaty, the territory of the Diocese passed to the Russian Empire. Remaining Patriarchal, the Diocese had four vicarages – in Yerevan, Nakhichevan, Alexandropol (Shirak) and Tatev (Syunik). At the end of the XIX century, after the conquest of the Kars Fortress by the Russians (1878), the Kars vicarage was joined to the Yerevan Diocese. Thus, at the end of the XIX century the Diocese of Yerevan covered almost the entire territory of Eastern Armenia. Up to the beginning of the XX century the Diocese had 643 churches, 13 monasteries and more than 150 parish schools. The Diocesan School in Yerevan and many other parish schools in villages and communities were established in 1837. The girls’ school of St. Gayane also functioned in Yerevan.
During the World War I (1914-1918) the Armenians started again, with the support of Russia, to cherish hopes for the liberation of Western Armenia from the Turkish yoke. The Diocese of Yerevan took an active part in the organization of the Armenian voluntary troops to assist the Russian Army in saving the Armenian victims of the Genocide. Having suffered all the difficulties of the war and of the Armenian Genocide in 1915 the Diocese of Yerevan provided shelter to thousands of refugees. Bishop Khoren Mouradbekian, Vicar of the Diocese founded the Commission of Fraternal Aid that included the administration of orphanages, the judicial body and the working staff.
The Diocese of Yerevan, led by Bishop Khoren Mouradbekian, welcomed the reestablishment of the Armenian statehood in 1918 and the transfer of the first national government from Tiflis to Yerevan. Within the short-term existence of the newly established republic, the Diocese of Yerevan took an active part in the economic, social and cultural life of the country.
After the tragic collapse of the First Armenian Republic in 1920, the Diocese of Yerevan lost the Kars and Nakhichevan regions, as a result of the political redesigning of borders between Soviet Russia and Turkey (1921). The Diocese was subjected to violences and persecutions by the new authorities and existed only formally. Numerous clergymen were arrested and exiled; the churches were either closed or destroyed. Bishop Artak Smbatiants, Vicar of the Diocese, was arrested and died in prison in 1937.
The churches of St. Poghos-Petros, St. Katoghike, St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Astvatsatsin, St. Simeon Tseruni and the chapels of Kozern and Getseman were destroyed, the churches of St. Zoravor and St. Hovhannes-Mkrtich and the Diocesan monasteries were closed, numerous churches in the villages were converted into warehouses.
Only during the World War II the attitude of the Soviet government towards the Armenian Apostolic Church was partially changed, taking into account the important role of the latter in the struggle against Fascism.
In 1943, after a long break, the Saint Liturgy was celebrated again at the St. Sarkis Church in Yerevan. A new spiritual revival was noticed in the Diocese beginning from the first years of the reign of His Holiness Vazken I Catholicos of All Armenians (since 1955) and after the declaration of the independence in Armenia in 1991.
The Diocese of Syunik (in 1989) and the Diocese of Gougark (in 1991) were separated from the Araratian Diocese. The last modification of the Diocese boundaries took place in 1996 when the Dioceses of Armavir, Aragatsotn, Kotayk and Gegharkunik were detached by order of His Holiness Karekin I Catholicos of All Armenians.
At present the Araratian Diocese comprises Yerevan and the Ararat region embracing almost one half of the population of the Republic of Armenia.
During the rule of Archbishop Karekin Nersissian (1983-1999), the St. Hovhannes Church in Yerevan was reconstructed, the St. Astvatsatsin Church of Nork and the St. Astvatsatsin Church of Malatia were built. After the reconstruction of St. Sarkis Vicarial Church in 1983, a new Vicarage of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese was built in 1987. On October 27, 1999, Arcbishop Karekin Nersissian, Vicar of the Araratian Diocese was elected Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians by the National Religious Assembly in the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin.
the doctoral Faculty of St. Serguey Monastery’s Academy of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Following his studies in Russia, His Holiness was appointed to be the assistant to the Vicar general of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese in 1980. In April 1983, he became the Vicar General of the same Diocese. In October of the same year, he was ordained a Bishop and in 1992, he was elevated to the rank of Archbishop. In 1990, he was a candidate to the Armenian legislature.
In 1989, Bishop Karekin Nersissian created the Vazkenian Seminary in Sevan to educate young men in religious studies, completing a five-year course prior to the entrance to the Theological Academy at Holy Etchmiadzin, where they would study for one additional year. Additionally, through his efforts, the former Communist Pioneer Palaces were converted into church-sponsored youth centers for religious and artistic education of young men and women.
In 1990, His Holiness created the Christian Education Center, which organized Christian Education courses in 56 public and Sunday schools throughout the Diocese.
In 1995, Archbishop Karekin Nersissian was a prime candidate in the Catholicossal Elections, but he withdrew his candidacy in favor of Catholicos Karekin I, of blessed memory. In 1998, the late Catholicos appointed him the Catholicossal Vicar General.
Since 1990 he was a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Catholicosate of All Armenians.
On October 27, 1999, as a result of the closed secret ballot election held in the Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Archbishop Karekin Nersissian was elected the 132nd Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and was consecrated on November 4, 1999.
On December 1, 1999  Bishop Navasard Ktshoyan was appointed Vicar of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese by His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians.
The construction of the St. Sarkis Church of Nor Nork in Yerevan and of the Belfry of St. Sarkis Vicarial Church were completed in 2000. The construction of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan was completed in 2001. Numerous churches in Yerevan and regions have been reconstructed and built. The construction work of the St Trinity Church in Malatia-Sebastia (Yerevan) will be completed soon.
The Christian Education Centre functions at the Diocese and conducts lessons on Christianity in the secondary and Sunday schools. The Youth Union is an inseparable part of the Diocese. Charity programs are realized by the Benevolent Office. “Shoghakn Araratian”  published since March 2000. Radio programs on spiritual themes are being regularly broadcasted since August 2000. The “Shoghakat” Hall for the sale of spiritual literature and art objects is functioning since 1995. The Educational Centre at the St. Sarkis Vicarial Church, the Educational and Cultural Centre “Hovhannes Kozern” and the Icon-painting School are operating since 2000.
Numerous newly built churches have been consecrated, foundations of new churches have been blessed, and reconstruction of churches has been completed on the territory of the Araratian Patriarchal Diocese during the period of leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese.
On April 30, 2000, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, consecrated the newly built Church of St. Sarkis in Nork District, Yerevan. His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, consecrated the gallery of the Church. The benefactor of the Church was Mr. Sarkis Gabrielian, of blessed memory, from New Jersey, USA, who passed away a year ago. His son, Mr. Mark Gabrielian, with his wife and children, attended the consecration ceremony. Fr. Garnik Haladjian, from New Jersey, USA, who also had an important contribution in the construction of the Church, also was present. 
On May 3, 2000, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, consecrated the newly built Church of Holy Resurrection of Dvin, Ararat region. The pillars and the baptistery basin of the Church had been consecrated by His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese. The benefactor of the Church was Mr. Samvel Tigranian, formerly living in Dvin.
On July 13, 2000, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the cross of the chapel of St Elizabeth of the village Aray, Aragatson region. 
In 2000, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has consecrated the bell tower of the diocesan headquarters Church of St. Sarkis in Yerevan. The benefactors of the church were Mr. And Mrs. Astghik and Sarkis Kurkchian.
On June 8, 2001, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has presided over the ceremony of blessing of the foundation of the Church of Holy Trinity, being built in the South-West district of Yerevan. The benefactor of the church was Mrs. Louise Simone Manoogian. Architect of the Church was Mr. Baghdik Arzoumanian. 
On August 12, 2001, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the Church of Holy Godmother, of Vedi. Benefactors of the Church were Father and Son Yuri and Edgar Shaboyan, from Vedi. 
On September 23, 2001, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has consecrated the newly built Cathedral of Gregory the Illuminator, of Yerevan. The Cathedral is under the jurisdiction of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
On October 28, 2002, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the dome, the crosses of the bell tower and the cross-stones on the territory of the newly built Church of St. Gevork of the village Marmarashen, Ararat region. On November 4, 2002, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has consecrated the Church of St. Gevork, and Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the pillars and the baptistery basin of the Church. The benefactor of the Church was Mr. Sergey Ghazarian, from Moscow. 
On October 29, 2002, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has conducted the Blessing of the Foundation service for a new church of St. John the Apostle under construction in Artashat. The benefactor of the church was Mr. Hovik Abrahamian, architects were Artak Ghulian and Emma Fahradian. 
On June 10, 2003, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the cross-stones of the bell tower of the diocesan headquarters Church of St. Sarkis in Yerevan. The benefactor was Mr. Tigran Badalian and the architect was Romen Julhakian.
On November 9, 2004, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the ceremony of consecration of the crosses of the Church of Holy Trinity, being built on the South-Western District of Yerevan. His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the cross of the bell tower.
On September 11, 2005, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the cross of the dome of the Church of Holy Cross of Nerkin Charbakh district, of Yerevan.
On November 20, 2005, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has consecrated the newly built Church of Holy Trinity, of South-Western District of Yerevan. The benefactor of the church was Mrs. Louise Simone Manoogian.
On June 18, 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the icon of St. Mary, Holy Mother of God, which was gifted as a present to the church by Mr. Mher Melikian. The author of the icon was Mr. Andranik Antonian.
On July 21, 2006, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has conducted the Blessing of the Foundation service for a new church of St. Mesrop under construction in Erebuni district, Yerevan. Benefactors of the church were Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Bobbi Hakobian, from the USA.
In 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has conducted the Blessing of the Foundation service for a new church of St. Sarkis under construction in the village Nor Kyank (New Life), of Ararat region. Benefactor of the church was Mr. Vrezh Sargsian, from the village Nor Kyank (New Life), architect was Mr. Armen Sargsian.
In 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the newly-built chapel of St. Mary, Holy Mother of God, on the territory of N. 8 Medical Center, which was built upon the initiative of the medical personnel. In 2007 the chapel was consecrated. 
On October 20, 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the baptistery basin of the Church of St. John the Baptist of Kond district, of Yerevan, the icon of St. Gregory of Narek, the banners with the pictures of St. Mary, Holy Mother of God, and St. John the Baptist. Benefactors of the baptistery basin were Mr. Armen Matikian and Mr. Armen Dilanian, author of the banners was Mr. Abraham Azarian.
On November 20, 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the Church of Holy Cross, of Nerkin Charbakh district, of Yerevan. Benefactor of the church was Mr. Khachatur Vardanian, architect was Mr. Hrach Gasparian.
On April 14, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the reconstructed Church of St. Gevorg of the village Kanachout, Ararat region, On the eve, April 13, the cross of the church was consecrated and installed on the dome, as well as four columns of the church were consecrated. His Eminence consecrated also the main, eastern and western doors of the church and the Holy Altar. The reconstruction work was realized thanks to the sponsorship of Mr. Alik Sargsian, from the village Kanachout, the regional governor of the region Ararat. Author of the cross-stone was Arthur.
On June 23, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the cross-stone and monumental spring  on the territory of the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator of the village Buravan (formerly Bambakavan), Ararat region.
On September 17, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has conducted the Blessing of the Foundation service for a new church of St. Gevork under construction in the town Masis. Benefactor of the church was Mr. Gagik Adibekian.
On September 22, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the reconstructed Church of St. Sarkis of the village Argavand. The reconstruction work was realized thanks to the sponsorship of the village governor and the local population. 
On December 21, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Navasard Ktchoyan, Vicar General of Araratian Patriarchal Diocese, has consecrated the reconstructed Church of Holy Godmother of the village Verin Artashat. Benefactor of the church was Mr. Armen Manukian.
On December 22, 2007, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has conducted the Blessing of the Foundation service for a new church of the Holy Cross under construction in Ajapnyak district, Yerevan. Archuitect is Mr. Ruben Azatian.