Mekhitarist Medal - St. Grigor Lusavorich / Ararat Mountain
Identifier
ANRO-1744
Reference Description
Obverse: Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, performing a religious ceremony. Surrounding him are attendants and kneeling worshippers, symbolizing the momentous event of Armenia’s conversion to Christianity in 301 AD. The inscription in Armenian reads "ՍՈՒՐԲ ԳՐԻԳՈՐ ԼՈՒՍԱՎՈՐԻՉ" ("Saint Gregory the Illuminator").
Reverse: Depiction of Mount Ararat, a symbol deeply intertwined with Armenian heritage and identity. In the foreground, the church represented is the Khor Virap Monastery, renowned for its historical significance as the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before converting King Tiridates III and Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD. The accompanying inscription, "Ես իմ Մասիս սառն եմ սիրում" ("I love my Masis mountain"), is a line from the poem "Mount Masis" by the esteemed Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz. This line reflects the profound admiration and emotional connection Armenians have with Mount Ararat, also known as Masis, underscoring its enduring presence in Armenian culture and literature.
Specifications: 31.5x28.5mm, 9.52g
Artist / Engraver:
Mint:
Edge: Plain
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO collection no. 182
Reverse: Depiction of Mount Ararat, a symbol deeply intertwined with Armenian heritage and identity. In the foreground, the church represented is the Khor Virap Monastery, renowned for its historical significance as the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before converting King Tiridates III and Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD. The accompanying inscription, "Ես իմ Մասիս սառն եմ սիրում" ("I love my Masis mountain"), is a line from the poem "Mount Masis" by the esteemed Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz. This line reflects the profound admiration and emotional connection Armenians have with Mount Ararat, also known as Masis, underscoring its enduring presence in Armenian culture and literature.
Specifications: 31.5x28.5mm, 9.52g
Artist / Engraver:
Mint:
Edge: Plain
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO collection no. 182
Files
Collection
Citation
“Mekhitarist Medal - St. Grigor Lusavorich / Ararat Mountain,” Armenian Numismatic Research Organization, accessed December 22, 2024, https://armnumres.org/items/show/1744.