Saint Vartan's Armenian Cathedral Consecration Medal 1968, Bronze

ANRO-1542

Obverse: A detailed composition featuring Saint Vartan and Saint Mesrop Mashtots, depicted in profile facing each other, symbolizing Armenian faith and culture. Between them, a descending Holy Spirit (dove) radiates light from the All-Seeing Eye of God, positioned within a triangle bearing the number 5, symbolizing divine grace. Below, Mount Ararat dominates the background, with the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church, prominently depicted. The surrounding Armenian inscription reads: ԵՋՄԻԱԾԻՆՆ Ի ՀՈՐԵ ԵԻ ԼՈՅՍ ՓԱՌԱՅ ԸՆԳ ՆՄԱ ԵԻ ԾԱԳԵԱՑ ՄԵՋ ԼՈՅՍ Ի ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ ԱՇԽԱՐՀԻ
Reverse: A finely detailed depiction of Saint Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City, the first cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church built in North America. The surrounding inscription in Armenian reads: ՍԲ ՎԱՐԴԱՆ ՄԱՅՐ ԵԿԵՂԵՑԻ ՀԱՅՈՑ ՆԻՒ ԵՈՐՔ ՆԱԻԱԿԱՏԻՔ 1968

Specifications: Bronze 63.5mm, 130g
Artist / Engraver: John Hovannes
Edge: Medallic Art Co NY Bronze
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: Ebay Item 170746022079

St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City is the first cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church in North America. Situated on the corner of Second Avenue and Thirty-fourth Street, it was consecrated on April 28, 1968, by His Holiness Vasken I. Architecturally, the cathedral is inspired by the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia, the world's first cruciform church. Its exterior features limestone sheathing and a one-story granite base, while the entrance plaza showcases intricate designs depicting Saint Vartan. Inside, the cathedral is marked by double intersecting arches and a central dome that stands 27 feet high and 45 feet in diameter. This design eliminates the need for obstructive columns and emphasizes a centralized worship space. The dome is adorned with circles depicting images of Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit, as well as eight stained glass windows illustrating the story of creation. The cathedral also houses ancient stone crosses from the 15th century and has an altar that faces east, emphasizing the Armenian tradition of focusing on the resurrection rather than the crucifixion of Christ. With side altars dedicated to Saint Gregory the Enlightened and Saint Nersess Shnorhali, the cathedral is a rich blend of modernity and Armenian religious tradition.

John Hovannes (1900-1973) Armenian-American sculptor. Born in Smyrna, Turkey, 31 December 1900. Came to America before 1935. Studied Rhode Island School of Design. Instructor of sculpture Art Stuns League of New York. Received Guggenheim Fellowship, 1940. Died New York City, April 1973.

The Medallic Art Company, founded in 1903, was a prominent American mint known for crafting medals, coins, and artistic metal objects. While it was once a key player in American numismatics, collaborating with famous artists and producing items like presidential inaugural medals, the company faced financial difficulties and is no longer operational. Its extensive archives were purchased by the American Numismatic Society, preserving its legacy and allowing for continued research and public appreciation.