The Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs (), 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.Holy Cross Church, Gyumri
The cathedral was originally to be named "Holy Cross", but changed to "Holy Martyrs" in honour of the canonized martyrs of the Armenian genocide.
Architecture 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.Armenian Catholic Holy Cross church of Gyumri
Consecration 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).Holy Martyrs Armenian Catholic Church consecratedArmenian Church makes saints of 1.5 million genocide victims
Papal visit On 25 June 2016, Pope Francis, accompanied by Catholicos Karekin II, visited the cathedral.
Gallery
See also Catholic Church in Armenia
References
External links Official website of Ordinariate Original church design and video of construction Video of consecration President of Armenia official website article with photos Slaq.am article with photos News.am article with video and photos Public Radio of Armenia article Massisport.com article