Malawi - 2011 - 5 Kwacha - John Paul II Papal Visits: Armenia and Kazakhstan

ANRO-357

Obverse: Depicts Pope John Paul II, raising his hand in a gesture of blessing, flanked by a traditional Armenian khachkar (cross-stone) on the left. Below the portrait are the papal insignia, including the crossed keys of St. Peter and a mitre. The inscription "JOHN PAUL II - PAPAL VISITS" appears at the bottom, with "ETCHMIDZINE" (referring to the Holy See of Etchmiadzin) and the dates "22.09 - 27.09 2001" marking his visits to Armenia and Kazakhstan. "KAZAKHSTAN" and "ARMENIA" are inscribed at the top.

Reverse: Displays the coat of arms of the Republic of Malawi, featuring a shield supported by a lion and a leopard, symbolizing unity and freedom. The inscription "REPUBLIC OF MALAWI" appears along the top, with the denomination "5 KWACHA" and the year "2011" inscribed below.

Country: Malawi
Subject: Papal Visit - Armenia
Date: 2011
Denomination: 5 kwacha
Metal: Silver
Weight: 25.7g
Diameter: 38.6mm
Edge: Reeded
Mintage: 1,000pcs.
Strike quality: Proof

This coin commemorates Pope John Paul II's historic visits to Armenia and Kazakhstan in September 2001. His visit to Armenia marked a significant moment in Catholic and Armenian Apostolic Church relations, as he attended a ceremony at the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Church. This visit coincided with the 1700th anniversary of Armenia’s adoption of Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE, the first nation to do so.

During his visit, Pope John Paul II honored the victims of the Armenian Genocide and emphasized the importance of reconciliation and unity among nations and faiths. His presence underscored Armenia’s unique Christian heritage and strengthened ties between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church.