Zoroastrianism in Armenia
Zoroastrianism in Armenia dates back as far as to the fifth-century BC, notably during the Achaemenian and Parthian periods in the Armenian Highlands. Prior to Armenia's Christianisation, it was a predominantly Zoroastrian-adhering land.[1]
Contents
History
A number of Zoroastrian fire-altars had been discovered in Christian sanctuaries in Armenia.[2] In various parts of Armenia, Zoroastrianism lingered on for several centuries even after the official adoption of Christianity. The Arsacid dynasty of Armenia, under which Armenia eventually would become a Christian nation, were pious Zoroastrians who invoked Mithra as the lord of covenants, as is proper.[3] An episode which illustrates the Armenian Arsacids their observance of the cult is the famous journey of Tiridates I to Rome in A.D. 65-66. The same aforementioned Tiridates I, brother of Vologases I of Parthia and founder of the Arsacid dynasty of Armenia, was a Zoroastrian magus or priest.[4][5]
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.[6] According to J. Russel, Zurvanism was the form of Zoroastrianism under Yazdagrird II (438-57), which he promoted in Persian Armenia.[7]
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:
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'We do not worship, like you, the elements, the sun, the moon, the winds and the fire.'[8]
Reports indicate that there were Zoroastrian Armenians in Armenia until the 1920s.[9]
See also
- Battle of Avarayr
- Armenian mythology
- Satrapy of Armenia
- Arsacid dynasty of Armenia
- Persian Armenia
- Marzpanate Armenia
References
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- Zoroastrianism in Armenia - by James R. Russell
- ↑ Mary Boyce. Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices Psychology Press, 2001 ISBN 0415239028 p 84
- ↑ Zoroastrianism in fifth-century Armenia - Solomon A. Nigosian, Department of Religious Studies, University of Toronto
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- ↑ The Heritage of Armenian Literature, Volume I - Agop Jack Hacikyan Gabriel Basmajian Edward S. Franchuk Nourhan Ouzounian, page 70
- ↑ J. Russell, Zoroastrianism in Armenia, 136-138
- ↑ On the Orthodoxy of Sasanian Zoroastrianism - Mary Boyce, page 18
- ↑ Anne Sofie Roald,Anh Nga Longva. Religious Minorities in the Middle East: Domination, Self-Empowerment, Accommodation BRILL, 11 nov. 2011 ISBN 9004216847 p 313
