Christianity in Armenia

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its main religion in 301 A.D. It is the world’s oldest national church with Saint Grigor Lusavoritch as the first head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. This historic event happened within the governance of one of Armenia’s greatest king’s Tiridates III. The legend says that Tiridates was stricken by a loathsome disease, which forced him to retire from appearance in public. The King had tried all the most reputable physicians of his time, however in vain. A vision came to the monarch's sister, the Princess Khosrovidukhd, hinting of the power that might lie in the prayers of the holy man. The King turned to Saint Gregory and besought his help. The apostle readily offered his prayers, and the King was speedily healed. Touched by gratitude and the unshakable faith of the preacher, and by the power of his prayers, the King accepted Christianity, as did all his court.
Armenian Apostolic Church originated in the mission of Apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus in the 1st century. The Church is named so because of its establishment by two Apostles.
The highest rank of the Armenian Church is called Catholicos and it is equivalent to the position of Pope.  Catholicos confusingly sounds like Catholic, however Armenian Church is Apostolic.