The significance of Armenian Christians in the Holy Land of Jerusalem cannot be understated. Back in 301 A.D., Armenia became the first nation to embrace Christianity as an official religion. Since then, Christianity has held an extraordinary significance in the history and development of the Armenian people leaving an indelible mark on their cultural and religious identity. Armenians maintain and oversee some of the holiest sites in Jerusalem, including St. James Cathedral, located in the heart of the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem’s old city. To this day, the Cathedral has no electricity, and its only light sources are windows, oil lamps, and candles. This creates a breathtaking effect that creates a mystical ambiance conducive to prayer.
In Jerusalem, Armenian Christians live with deep-rooted traditions that are rich in history and have a significant presence and participate in the Holy Fire Ceremony alongside other Orthodox Christians. This ceremony is centuries old, and it happens annually at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Holy Saturday. The ceremony symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and draws thousands of faithful Christians to Jerusalem.
Their community reflects common themes of family, faith, and tradition, and their presence is felt in their rituals, music, seminary school, full sensory worshiping, traditional singing, bagpipes, art, ceramics, prayer, culture, and food.
This short documentary illuminates the essence of the Armenian people while guiding you through secret places seen by very few and highlighting the mystical magic that binds this strong and vibrant population together.
