Now add the Western bell tower, the church museum behind the main altar, and the results of the 1955-57 renovation, when the structure and foundation were reinforced, the floor was marbled, and the murals were restored. The overall decoration of the Echmiadzin Cathedral is tied to the Hovnatanian family of painters. The painted dome is a portion of his work. Assisting in his work were unknown Armenian apprentices. As you enter, you will see a repeated pattern of cherubs with six wings.
Gold leaf sets off the each face against a deep color tone.
The color scheme moves from more earthly tones at the lower edge to blue and gold and green as the design reaches the upper dome, with red and gold delineating the inner design. Unfortunately years of candle and incense smoke hides much of the detail, and the interior is poorly lit. Included in The Founding of Echmiadzin are pictures of Armenian kings , from the first king Haik to a contemporary of Christ named Apkar, to the figures between T'rdat the Great and Khosrov. The one in front is the Ijman Seghan, or Altar of Descent, where Christ is believed to have struck the earth with his golden hammer in S. Gregory's vision. The lower edge of the marble platform is painted with tongues of fire.