Handcrafted Long Armenian Wooden Box with Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Mount Ararat, Home Décor, Jewelry Box Handmade wooden box made from Walnut wood and decorated with Etchmiadzin Cathedral on the lid, the Mount Ararat on the front of the box. Length 30cm – 11.81in Width 10.5cm – 4.13in Height 6cm – 2.36in Inside 27x7.5cm – 10.62x2.95in Depth 4.5cm – 1.77in Weight 450gr Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the city of Vagharshapat and is often considered the oldest cathedral in the world. The original church was built in the early fourth century between 301 and 303 according to tradition by Armenia's patron saint Gregory the Illuminator following the adoption of Christianity as a state religion by King Tridates III. It was built over a pagan temple, symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building was built in 483/4 by Vahan Mamikonian after the cathedral was severely damaged in a Persian invasion. From its foundation until the second half of the fifth century, Etchmiadzin was the seat of the Catholicos, the supreme head of the Armenian Church. Armenia is a country known for its beautiful churches. It’s no surprise since it was the first nation to accept Christianity as a state religion, all the way back in 301 AD. It may not seem like it now, but this was quite innovative at the time! And since the beginning, Armenian churches have played a central part in the history of the country, and the daily lives of its people. It’s important to note that these churches and monasteries hold something unique and beautiful to discover and it’s hard to deny the work and dedication the people who built these churches had. If nothing more, the churches are impressive works of architectural art. Mount Ararat is associated with the "mountains of Ararat" in the Bible. It is the traditional resting place of Noah's Ark according to the Book of Genesis. It is the main national symbol of Armenia and is considered a "holy mountain" by Armenians. One author described the Armenians as having "a sense of possession of Ararat in the sense of symbolic cultural property." It is featured prominently in Armenian literature and art. Along with Noah's Ark, it is depicted on the coat of arms of Armenia.