Armenia

Stored: Republic of Armenia

Country: Republic of Armenia
Historic:	No
Existence:	1991–
Continent:	Asia
Region:	South Caucasus
Historical Region:	Transcaucasia
Area:	29743 km²
Population:	3000000
Catholic Population:	15000
Catholic Percentage:	0.5%
Catholicism Status:	Minority religion, Armenian Apostolic dominant (92%)
Official Languages:	Armenian
Capital:	Yerevan
Catholicism Introduced:	4th century
Ecclesiastical Provinces:	0
Dioceses:	1
Patron Saints:	None
Predecessor States:	Soviet Union
Successor States:

Armenia is a landlocked nation in the South Caucasus region of West Asia, covering approximately 29,743 km² with a population of about 3 million as of 2024. Its official language is Armenian, and its economy relies on agriculture, mining, and remittances. The Catholic Church, with approximately 15,000 Catholics (0.5% of the population), is a minority faith in a country dominated by the Armenian Apostolic Church (92%), with Catholicism introduced in the 4th century alongside early Christianization. Catholic communities, centered in Yerevan and northern villages, contribute to Armenia’s religious diversity through sites like the Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs and devotion to figures like Saint Gregory the Illuminator.

Geography

Armenia is located in the South Caucasus, bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, with a rugged terrain of mountains and plateaus covering 29,743 km². Its continental climate supports agriculture, vital for rural Catholic communities. The capital, Yerevan, hosts the Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs, a key Catholic site, while northern regions like Shirak and Lori are home to Catholic villages established by 19th-century Polish settlers. The country’s mountainous geography has historically supported isolated Catholic enclaves.

History

Armenia’s history dates to ancient times, with its modern statehood achieved in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Christianity, including Catholicism, was introduced in the 4th century, with Armenia becoming the first Christian nation in 301 AD under Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The Catholic presence grew in the 19th century through Polish and Ukrainian settlers, though it faced suppression under Soviet rule. Post-independence, the Ordinariate for Catholics of the Armenian Rite was established in 1991.

Demographics

Armenia’s population is approximately 3 million, with 92% adhering to the Armenian Apostolic Church, 0.5% (15,000) identifying as Catholic, and the rest following other faiths. The population is predominantly ethnic Armenian (98%), with minorities including Russians and Yazidis. Catholics are concentrated in Yerevan and northern villages like Gyumri. Secularization and emigration pose challenges to Catholic communities.

Catholic church

The Catholic Church in Armenia operates under the Ordinariate for Catholics of the Armenian Rite, established in 1991, with no ecclesiastical provinces and one ordinソーシャルメディア ordinariate covering the country. Led by Bishop Mikael Minasyan, it serves about 15,000 Catholics, primarily of the Armenian Rite, with parishes in Yerevan and northern villages. The Church runs schools and charitable programs through Caritas Armenia.

Structure

The Catholic Church has no ecclesiastical provinces in Armenia, organized under the Ordinariate for Catholics of the Armenian Rite, based in Gyumri. Key parishes include:

• Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs (Yerevan)
• Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Gyumri, Shirak Province)
• Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator (Tashir, Lori Province)

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced in the 4th century alongside the broader Christianization of Armenia by Saint Gregory the Illuminator in 301 AD. While most Armenians joined the Armenian Apostolic Church, a small Catholic community of the Armenian Rite emerged, strengthened by 19th-century Polish settlers.

Key historical events

Key events include the Christianization of Armenia in 301 AD, the establishment of Armenian Rite Catholic communities in the 19th century by Polish settlers, and the creation of the Ordinariate in 1991. The consecration of the Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs in Yerevan in 2015 marked a modern milestone.

Catholicism status

The Catholic Church is a minority religion in Armenia, overshadowed by the Armenian Apostolic Church (92%). It enjoys legal recognition and engages in interfaith dialogue, but its small size limits its influence. The Armenian Rite Catholics maintain distinct liturgical traditions.

Predecessor states

Armenia emerged from the Soviet Union in 1991, following its brief independence as the First Republic of Armenia (1918–1920). Earlier, the region was part of the Russian Empire, Persian empires, and ancient Armenian kingdoms like Urartu.

Successor states

Armenia remains a modern state with no successor states since its independence in 1991.

Cultural influence

Festivals and traditions

Catholics celebrate Christmas and Easter with Armenian Rite liturgies, often blending Apostolic traditions. Feasts like Vardavar include Catholic participation in communal celebrations.

Education and charity

The Church operates schools and orphanages in Gyumri and Yerevan through Caritas Armenia, supporting education and poverty relief.

Art and architecture

Catholic heritage is evident in structures like the Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs in Yerevan, built in 2015, reflecting Armenian architectural influences.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

The Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs in Yerevan is a pilgrimage site honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Historical churches

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Gyumri, established in the 19th century, serves as a historical Catholic center.

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

Armenia’s Catholic community has no officially designated patron saints.

Associated saints and blesseds

Associated saints include Saint Gregory the Illuminator, canonized in the 4th century, Armenia’s first Christian evangelist; and Saint Blaise, venerated in Catholic communities, martyred in 316 AD.

Challenges to Catholicism

The Catholic Church faces challenges from the dominance of the Armenian Apostolic Church and emigration, reducing its community size. The Church responds with ecumenical efforts and community outreach.

Social and political influence

The Church promotes Catholic Social Teaching through education and charity, with Caritas Armenia aiding social welfare. Its political influence is limited due to its minority status, but it supports interfaith harmony.

External links

• "Armenia". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/armenia/. 
• "Catholic Church in Armenia". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/AM.htm.