Armodoxy for Today: Covered up at Ani

The City of Ani in Western Armenia was once known as the city of 1001 churches. These were Armenian Church, with domes that were patterned on the architecture of Holy Etchmiadzin, the first Christian Cathedral built in 303AD. Like Holy Etchmiadzin, the Cathedral and churches of Ani were in Armenia proper until the lands were occupied.

A few years ago I organized a pilgrimage to this sacred space and took 25 pilgrims with me. There we witnessed the first part of “operation cover up.” Informational signs that were placed at the entrance of the city read in English, French and Turkish, with absolutely no mention of the Armenian origins of these churches, nor any reference to their functionality as shrines of the Armenian Church.

Today, part two of “operation cover up” takes place as the Turkish government has decided to topple the shrines.

 Our Lord Jesus says, “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17-18)

Today’s one minute for Summertime.

Cover image: The entrance to Ani today, with three signs.

Learn more: Podcast series “Echoes of Ararat” with Gregory Beylerian at https://epostle.net/echoes-of-ararat