Armenia

Luce was also visiting Armenia (Armenia seems to be a popular destination this summer, huh?) and that's why I have this wonderful postcard in my collection. It's a photo of Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, the largest Armenian church in the world. The construction of the church started not so long ago in fact (1997) and the church was opened in 2001.  The Cathedral is the symbol of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as a State Religion in Armenia and house for relics of Saint Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Grigor). The Holy Remains of St. Gregory were brought from Naples, Italy. Shortly after the consecration of the Cathedral Pope John Paul II paid a visit to the Cathedral.  Many thanks to Luca for the card and nice London Olympics stamps!

Armenia

I received the lovely view from Armenia a few days ago from Julian who spent his vacation there - my very first Armenian card :) The postcard shows the monastery of Geghard located in the Kotayk province. It's a unique architectural complex, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. It was added to the UNESCO WHS list in 2000.
While the main chapel was built in 1215, the monastery complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. A gorgeous place indeed. Thank you, Julian!