Armenia

According to the Gospel of John, Jesus was stabbed in his side by a lance whilst hanging from the cross. As a result, this weapon is believed to possess supernatural powers and it became an important and much sought after Christian relic. Over the centuries, a number of churches have claimed to possess this sacred object, known variously as 'The Holy Lance', 'The Spear of Destiny', and the 'Spear of Longinus' (named after Saint Longinus ). One such claimant is the Geghard Monastery, or Geghardavank (meaning ‘Monastery of the Spear’). But is there any real evidence for the claim? The lance, currently kept in Echmiadzin, Armenia. It was discovered during the First Crusade in St. Peter's Cathedral in Antioch. Photo