2001

2001 (MMI) is a common year starting on Monday. 2001 saw a year-long celebration of Armenia's 1,700th anniversary as the worlds first officially Christian nation.

1700th Celebrations

This was the tentative schedule of planned events at the time.

Date	Name of Event	Location and Description
December 31	Lighting of candles	Yerevan’s Republic Square - Songs, ringing of bells, fireworks display.
January 6	The Holy Nativity	Yerevan’s Republic Square - A staged musical performance or passion play by A. Yernchakian
January 9	Official Declaration of 1700th anniversary celebrations	Press Conference
January 13	Farewell to the 20th Century	All cities in Armenia - Firework displays, concerts and theatrical events organized by local cultural groups
March - April	Water Your Tree	Yerevan-Etchmiadzin highway - Trees will be planted
April 24	Pilgrimage to Ter Zor desert in Syria	Der-Zor - Led by Armenian President and the Catholicos
Late May	International Latin-American Dance Open championship	Sport-Concert complex
Late May	Woman: the most beautiful creation of nature	Yerevan’s Cascade - Ladies’ Fashion Collections
May 26	Vardan: the soul of my country	Sardarapat - Theatrical performance commemorating the 1550th anniversary of the Battle of Avarair
Late May	Brabion Flower of Light Festival	Opportunity for people to present various interpretations of nature’s diversity and potential.
Early June	“For you, Christian Armenia” Festival	Musical festival of the peoples of the world
Late June	The Armenian stars of Russia for Artsakh	Artsakh - Gala concert with a variety of Armenian-Russian artists
June-July	Pan-Christian Culture – The International festival of spiritual music	Opening ceremony to be held in Kapan
Late June	The Children’s Planet	Opening ceremony of the “Noah’s Ark” and “Noah’s vine” complex near Khor Virap; United children’s chorus performance at the Cascade
Late June	“The Holy Virgin” festival of young artists	Ceremonial Review of artwork; Children’s Fashion Show at the Cascade
Early July	Melodies of the Armenian Mountains	Gyumri - Duduk festival with international participants
Late July	The Holy Baptism	Lake Sevan - Baptism of 1700 individuals
Late July	Ravenna Festival in Armenia	Italian music festival will be welcomed in Armenia; Philharmonic Orchestra of the La Scala Theatre
Early August	“Our doors are open”	Formal ceremony initiating the “days of solidarity among nations”
Late August	Regional days	Throughout regions, traditional rituals, arts and crafts will be presented.
August 18-26	2nd Annual Pan-Armenian Games	Vazgen Sargsian Stadium
September 21	10th anniversary of independence of Armenia
September 23	Consecration of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral	Consecration of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
September 23	“The Path to Light”	Following consecration of cathedral; Concert of contemporary and traditional music
September – November	The “For You Christian Armenia” Classical Music Festival	Festival of art and classical music with many international participants
September 24	“Our Father” Passion Play	Yerevan’s Republic Square
September 26	“Oh Armenian World”	Yerevan’s Republic Square - Contemporary renditions of spiritual music by Ara Gevorgian
Early October	“Armenian sunrise” Peace Concert
Early October	“The Festival of Translators”	Ashtarak, Dsegh, and Goris - Literary festival dedicated to St. Mesrop Mashtots and St. Grigor Narekatsi
Early October	Gala concert
December 31	“Welcome to the 21st Century” Closing ceremony	“Welcome to the 21st Century” Closing ceremony and distribution of awards for all festivals and artistic events held during the year 2001.

Events

January 18 - The French Senate recognizes the Armenian genocide.
January 25 - Armenia declared full member of the European Council.
January 30 - French President Jacques Chirac signs the law recognizing the Armenian genocide.