Armenian Orthodox Christianity is one of the oldest Christian denominations, tracing its roots back to the early 4th century. It became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD, largely due to the efforts of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The church follows the teachings of the Apostles and emphasizes the importance of tradition and the sacraments. The Armenian Apostolic Church, as it is also known, has a rich liturgical life and unique practices, including the use of the Armenian language in worship. Its followers celebrate various religious holidays, with Easter and Christmas being particularly significant. The church also plays a vital role in preserving Armenian culture and identity.