Present Day Miracle
Artashat, the 4th historical capital of Armenia, celebrates the 2200th anniversary of its foundation. The city was founded in 189-188 BC by Artashes I, the founder of Artashisyan Dynasty. The city lies on the Ararat valley, in front of Ararat Mountain being situated on 12 big and small hills of Khor Virap. Artashat has been the embodiment of the power of Armenia for 500 years. Even destructive eras could not ruin the glory and charm of the one-time powerful capital.
None of the ancient cities had such an important role in the life of Armenian people as Aratashat – “Armenian Cartagena” and “Joy of Artashes”. And wonders are still happening here, in this ancient city. Still in 10th century Armenian captain Gevorg Marzpetuni put a cross near a beautiful tree before going to the battlefield, after which it became a place of worship. After years the cross disappeared. And on the Eve of Easter in 2011 in the field adjacent to the theatre of Artashat city the constructers became the witnesses of a miracle while cutting the trees. They found a cross embossed in the middle of the tree segment.
There were nails on the three wings of the cross, and it was red in the middle that resembles the blood which is considered to be the blood of the Savior. The images of Our Lady and an eagle can be seen on the opposite side of the cross. Thousands of people visit Artashat to see this miracle and to ascertain that Artashat has always been and continues to be one of the cradles of Christianity. Now the citizens of New Artashat celebrate the anniversary of the city and enjoy themselves all together, both adults and children, old and young. The feasts in the city began in October of 2011 and will continue all year round. The opening of the ceremony took place in front of the gates of the city where people met the President of the Republic with the traditional bread and salt. Then various performances were presented to show the history of the city more vividly.
And all these were followed by the harvest holiday replete with treatment and the ceremony of compressing the grapes which doubled the enthusiasm of the participants. Let’s hope that this happy festive mood in the city will preserve forever and will be transferred to the visitors. The citizens of Artashat always host the visitors of the city with great love ready to present their centuries-old history and traditions.