Holy Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew are considered the first spiritual enlighteners of Armenia. They brought Christianity to the country. They came to Armenia at different times and preached independently of each other. But there is a legend that one day they met in an Armenian settlement, which in memory of this event the people called Otyats Khach — Cross of the Refuge.
Saint Thaddeus — is one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ. Having accepted his teaching, he began to be called Levway, that is, «heart», and Thaddeus, that is, « praising», for he glorified Christ and proclaimed the Gospel to many nations. He preached in Palestine, Arabia, Syria and Mesopotamia, Armenia.
In Armenia he was tortured, nailed to the cross and pierced with arrows. Three centuries later, the monastery of Tadei was erected on the site of the apostle’s burial.
The relics of Saint Thaddeus are kept in the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, where on this day a special liturgy is served, during which parishioners can bow to the holy relics.
Saint Bartholomew — in the New Testament narrative and in Christian legends is known as one of the twelve apostles. Bartholomew preached in Syria and Asia Minor, after which he headed to Armenia, where he brought the man-made face of the Mother of God and built a church dedicated to her. In 68 he was captured and executed. Along with him, 2,000 Christians were executed.