Paper short abstract:

The aim of the proposed paper is to present the emerging sacred space of neo-pagan movement in post-Soviet Armenia, as well as to analyze the set of beliefs and ritual practices that change certain archeological sites and elements of landscape into religiously meaningful places.

Paper long abstract:

Since the Armenian neo-pagan movement has been created twenty years ago, its leaders and adherents have elaborated a set of beliefs which is a compilation of pre-Christian elements, nationalistic doctrine of early 20th century by the philosopher Garegin Nzhdeh, and today's Armenian Christian culture. Simultaneously, neo-pagan ritual system and relevant sacred space have been conceived and are constantly reshaped by new spirituality that requires fixation and embodiment. As a result, celebrations of annual feasts, pilgrimages as well as the ites of passage in the life-cycle change certain archeological sites and elements of landscape into religiously meaningful places. Central role among them plays the ancient temple of Garni, where most of rituals take place, and surroundings of which have been adapted to neo-pagans' needs in the most significant way.

In the proposed paper, firstly I am going to present the "sacral geography" of Armenian neo-paganism, and then to concentrate on analyzing how rituals conducted in Garni influence the particular space both in a temporary and in a perpetual way. For this purpose, I will use data from interviews as well as visual materials collected during main neo-pagan feasts.