1970 Medal of Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Grigor Lusavorich) Athens, Greece

ANRO-1589

Obverse: architectural depiction of the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Grigor Lusavorich), located in Athens, Greece. The detailed image showcases its ornate dome and façade surrounded by stars, representing its significance as a beacon of faith. The inscription reads "ՍՈՒՐԲ ԳՐԻԳՈՐ ԼՈՒՍԱԻՈՐԻՋ ԱԹԷՆԲ" ("St. Gregory the Illuminator, Athens").

Reverse: Another view of the cathedral, highlighting its structure and surroundings. The year "1970" is inscribed below, commemorating its construction and establishment as a central place of worship for the Armenian community in Athens.

Specifications: 29.5x25.5mm, 7.24g
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Image shown: ANRO collection inv. no.

Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Grigor Lusavorich), Athens

This medal, dated 1970, represents the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Grigor Lusavorich) in Athens, Greece, a beacon of Armenian faith and community spirit in the heart of the city. Established in 1935, this architectural marvel stands on the historic site of a wooden church that had been serving the Armenian community since 1908. The land for this sacred site was acquired through the collective efforts of the Armenian faithful from the greater Athens area.

More than just a place of worship, the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator is deeply intertwined with the cultural and humanitarian fabric of the Armenian diaspora in Athens. It is a cornerstone for religious services and a vibrant community center, offering support not only to Armenians but also to asylum seekers from Syria and other conflict zones.