Monasteries and Crosses

After our days in Azerbaijan we flew to Georgia and then made a day trip to Armenia.  These two countries are among the oldest Christian countries in the world.  Our educator, Michael Wilcox, told us that Christianity had deep roots here.  Numerous invasions and years of communism couldn't weed out the religion among the people.  Because of this very old and very strong faith, there are many beautiful monasteries in both countries. Each is unique and quite beautiful.

And they are in some spectacular locations.  Like this one perched high above a lake. 

Or this one at the top of the hill 

 From the top of the hill there is  this view of the two rivers coming together.    

Here's another which looks out on a lake.   

Check out this view!  

With all these monasteries, there is a big variety of crosses.  I didn't know there were so many variations.  This one is a Georgian Cross.  Notice that the arms are of equal length. It illustrates that Christianity reaches the four corners of the earth.  And it's the national symbol of Georgia.                 

The Armenian crosses are especially beautiful. It wasn't until we got back home and I got on-line that I learned these 'Armenian Cross stones' are called Khachkars and are included in UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. They are carved, memorial stones bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes, interlaces, and botanical motifs.   

I love the lone green stone.  Makes the photos so interesting! 

Last year I came home from the Silk Road with hundreds and hundreds of pictures of Islamic  blue tiles.  This year I have hundreds and hundreds of pictures of crosses!  

At least I'm ecumenical.