Armenia is traditionally regarded as the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
According to Armenian tradition, King Tiridates III converted to Christianity through the influence of Gregory the Illuminator around AD 301. The Armenian Apostolic Church identifies this conversion as a defining moment in the nation’s history.
The exact date is debated by historians, with some evidence pointing to the early fourth century rather than precisely 301. Armenia’s claim is distinct from earlier individual rulers or communities adopting Christianity: it refers to Christianity becoming the official religion of a kingdom.