Khor-Virap

Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery located in Ararat plain near the border with Turkey in Ararat province of Armenia. For centuries the monastery was host to theological seminary and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos.
“Khor Virap” is translated from Armenian language as deep dungeon, thus the monastery’s name is closely connected with its history. Gregory Illuminator was initially imprisoned here for 14 years by King Tridates III. In the following Saint Gregory Illuminator became religious mentor for King Tridates III which contributed a lot to a Christianization of the country. In the year of 301 Armenia was the first to be declared a Christian nation.