The Holy Spear (Geghard): Symbol of Christ's Passion and Armenia's Spiritual Power

The Holy Spear (Geghard) is one of the most sacred relics of the Christian world with which according to tradition a Roman soldier pierced the side of the crucified Jesus Christ. This holy relic was kept for centuries in Ayrivank which for that very reason was renamed Geghardavank. This magnificent complex of rock-cut temples founded in the 4th century by Saint Gregory the Illuminator is a masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture. Geghard Monastery with its rock-hewn churches miraculous acoustics and intricately carved khachkars is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Today the Holy Spear is kept in the museum of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin as a powerful symbol of the Armenian people's spiritual protection and faith.