Did you know that one of the seven new saints Pope Leo XIV recently canonized isn’t Roman Catholic? That’s right—Armenia just gave the Church a new reason to celebrate.
But why does this tiny nation matter so much for all of us Catholics? Let’s dive in.
Here are eight things you need to know about Armenia, a spiritual touchstone for all Christians:
1) Saint Ignatius Maloyan, a former Armenian Archbishop, is one of the Catholic Church’s newly minted saints!
Ignatius Maloyan (1869-1915) was the Archbishop of the Armenian Catholic Diocese in Mardin, Turkey. He was martyred by the Ottoman Empire for refusing to convert to Islam, along with 400 of his fellow parishioners:
“We shall die, but we shall die for Christ!”
2) Mount Ararat, where tradition holds that Noah's Ark settled after the Flood.
Located in Greater Armenia (now considered Eastern Turkey after 1921), it is mentioned four times in the Bible: most famously in Genesis 8:4, where Noah’s Ark comes to rest after the Flood, and also in 2 Kings 19:37, Jeremiah 51:27, and Isaiah 37:38.
Tradition holds that it was here, in the mountains of ancient Armenia, that Noah’s Ark finally settled, making the land a site of enduring biblical and covenantal significance for Christians around the world.
3) The Apostles were in Armenia first.
Saints Jude and Bartholomew are credited with bringing the Gospel to Armenia. Yes—apostolic roots. Yes—martyrdom. It’s as foundational as it gets.
4) Armenia was the first Christian nation.
Armenia officially adopted Christianity in 301 A.D., and the man behind this monumental step was Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Look for him when you visit Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican—you’ll spot his statue, honoring the saint who brought the light of Christ to an entire nation.
“The Armenian people were the first to adopt Christianity as their national religion, and since then, faith in Christ has been the foundation of their identity.” Pope Saint John Paul II — Homily in Yerevan, Armenia, September 26, 2001
5) The world’s first cathedral is in Armenia.
While the Patriarchal See of the Armenian Catholic Church is currently in Lebanon, Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia predates most famous churches and remains a living center of Christian worship.
6) Saint Gregory of Narek, a Doctor of the Church, is from Armenia.
If you haven’t read him yet, you’re missing a treasure! One of only 38 Doctors of the Church, this 10th-century mystical poet, theologian, and Doctor of the Church gave the Church some of its most profound spiritual writing.
7) Armenian Servant of God Cardinal Gregory Peter XV Agagianian, whose body was found incorrupt in 2024.
We almost had an Armenian Catholic pope! Twice considered papabile in the conclaves that elected Pope St. John XXIII and Pope St. Paul VI, this modern Servant of God also might one day be canonized. A reminder that saints and heroes can rise even from the smallest nations.
Cardinal Gregory Peter XV Agagianian's body was exhumed in Rome in 2024 and found to be incorrupt!
Speaking of the saints, Agagianian wrote:
“They are a constellation of beautiful souls—radiant in example, powerful in intercession—drawing near to the honors of the altars. In a measure hitherto unknown, they are Popes and Bishops, priests and religious, distinguished professionals and unknown laypersons, venerable elders, mature lives, spirited youth, and radiant adolescents, all bearing witness to the holiness of the Church—holiness ever fruitful, ever more fruitful.
8) Armenia still needs your prayers.
The Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the 20th century, and the mystical Body of Christ in Armenia continues to suffer today.
In September 2023, Azeri-led Islamist persecution led to the ethnic cleansing of 120,000 Armenian Christians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). A 2025 report estimates that around 80 Armenians remain missing in captivity in Azerbaijan since 2020, with 23 confirmed hostages.
In speaking to both Catholic and Orthodox Armenian bishops, Pope Francis encouraged us:
“You may well remind me that your Church is not large in numbers, yet let us remember that God loves to work wonders with those who are small.”
Armenia isn’t just history—it’s a living testament to faith, courage, and the Church’s resilience. The next time you pray for the global Church, remember this small nation with a great and enduring story.
How to Visit an Armenian Catholic Church in the United States
If you find yourself in Southern California, don’t miss the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Cathedral. This stunning cathedral is a spiritual home for the Armenian Catholic community, offering a rich liturgical life rooted in centuries-old tradition.
It’s a unique opportunity to experience Armenian Catholic worship in all its depth and beauty — and yes, it counts toward your Sunday Mass obligation, since all 24 Catholic churches are united under the Pope!
To find an Armenian Catholic Church near you, visit the Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg website.