Zoroastrianism in Armenia

Persian Armenia during the Sassanid Empire, AD 428–646

Zoroastrianism in Armenia dates back as far as to the fifth-century, notably during the Achaemenian and Parthian periods in the Armenian Highland.

History

A number of Zoroastrian fire-altars had been discovered in Christian sanctuaries, in Armenia.[1] In various parts of Armenia, Zoroastrianism lingered on for several centuries even after the official adoption of Christianity.

In A.D. 53 the Parthian Arsacid dynasty came into Armenia, the king, Trdat I, is thought to have done a great amount to spread Zoroastrianism in Armenia.[2] According to J. Russel, Zurvanism was the form of Zoroastrianism under Yazdagrird II (438-57), which he promoted in Persian Armenia.[3]

The Armenian month names show influence of the Zoroastrian calendar.

An Armenian Christian source, according to which an Zurvanite proselytizer, Mihr-Narseh, spoke of the words openly:

“ 'We do not worship, like you, the elements, the sun, the moon, the winds and the fire.'[4] ”

References

  1. ↑ Zoroastrianism in fifth-century Armenia - Solomon A. Nigosian, Department of Religious Studies, University of Toronto
  2. ↑ The Heritage of Armenian Literature, Volume I - Agop Jack Hacikyan Gabriel Basmajian Edward S. Franchuk Nourhan Ouzounian, page 70
  3. ↑ J. Russell, Zoroastrianism in Armenia, 136-138
  4. ↑ On the Orthodoxy of Sasanian Zoroastrianism - Mary Boyce, page 18

Further reading

See also