Vatican Medal Honoring Saint Nerses Shnorhali, 1973

ANRO-1762

Obverse: Saint Nerses Shnorhali, depicted in detailed clerical attire with a serene expression, symbolizing his role as a spiritual leader and theologian. The background features architectural elements reminiscent of Armenian ecclesiastical structures. The inscription reads "S. NERSES SHNORHALI."

Reverse: Emblem of the Vatican City, with the papal tiara and crossed keys of St. Peter, overlaid on an architectural depiction of St. Peter’s Basilica. The inscription around the edge reads "CITTA' DEL VATICANO," with the year "1973" at the bottom.

Specifications: 25.5mm, 9.13g
Artist / Engraver:
Mint:
Edge:
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO collection inv. no.

Saint Nerses IV, known as Nerses Shnorhali ("the Gracious"), was a 12th-century Armenian Catholicos, poet, theologian, and composer. Born in 1102, he ascended as Catholicos of the Armenian Church in 1166 and became a pivotal figure in Armenian ecclesiastical history. Nerses was renowned for his efforts to bridge divisions between the Armenian Church and other Christian denominations, advocating unity and reconciliation.

A prolific writer, he composed numerous theological works, poems, and hymns that enriched Armenian Christian literature. Among his most celebrated works is the "Havadov Khosdovanim" ("I Confess with Faith"), a prayer that remains central in Armenian liturgy.