of the Eastern churches The Armenian Apostolic Church by Michael
J.L. La Civita Thousands of tribes and peoples litter the pages
of world history. After most have distinguished themselves,
usually as conquerors or settlers, they pass from the scene,
leaving as their legacy a tablet, a ruin or a reputation. The
Armenians, whose ancient homeland now encompasses eastern
Turkey, the Caucasus and northwestern Iran, have endured for
more than 3,000 years despite the challenges of living along the
crossroads of East-West trade. Squeezed between Asia and Europe,
Armenians have outlived more powerful neighbors, who repeatedly
and relentlessly sought to subjugate them. How have the
Armenians survived, when far more powerful peoples Romans and
Parthians, Byzantines and Sassanids vanished? Most historians
would credit the resolve and resourcefulness of the Armenian
Apostolic Church, a powerful body that has either defined or
impacted all aspects of Armenian society and culture.
Christianity is adopted. Looming high above