YEREVAN. – The Central Bank of Armenia has made a commemorative medal dedicated to His Holiness Pope Francis 's visit to the Republic of Armenia (on June 24-26, 2016).

The motto of the medal is “The Visit to the First Christian Nation".

The Christianity became a state religion in Armenia in 301. It is connected with the name of St. Gregory the Illuminator, whose relics have been spread throughout the Christian world for centuries .

The front side of the medal has an inscription of Khor Virap monastery against the background of Mount Ararat and the date of the Pope 's visit. On the backside the statue of St. Gregory the Illuminator's at the niches of the Vatican St. Peter's Cathedral (sculptor Khachik Ghazanchian ) , and the blazons of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Roman Catholic Church are inscribed. The medal is issued in a limited number and has a historic and cultural value .