Ravens surrounded Etchmiadzin Cathedral’s dome: biological or spiritual reasons?
Recently news was disseminated that Etchmiadzin Cathedral is surrounded by a large flock of ravens. The dome of the Cathedral, particularly at night hours, appears under domination of ominous birds, terrific quack of which attaches the attention of believers and visitors. To understand the reason of likewise behavior of the birds, 168.am talked to one of the servants, who said that the phenomenon has been noticed since construction of the doom began.
To understand scientific and biological reason of likewise behavior of the birds, 168.am interviewed ornithologist Silva Adamyan.
Mrs. Adamyan, recently news was spread that on the dome of Etchmiadzin Cathedral, in particular, at night hours, accumulation of ravens are observed. Does this behavior have scientific reasons?
Prior to commenting on it, we need to be sure whether ravens are really meant, as they could be rooks as well, which very much resemble gray ravens. If they are really ravens, likewise behavior may have 2 biological reasons. It’s known that ravens are omnivorous and are fed by wastes, and wherever there are much food wastes accumulations, they’ll gather in that place. The second biological reason and, as the season of breeding in winter is excluded, it’s useless touching upon their cubs, that’s why we exclude that option.
The Cathedral’s dome is being reconstructed for years. Are likewise accumulations conditioned by that?
As I mentioned, if you mean watses, then ravens gather on food wastes and not on construction wastes. Maybe here the reasons should be sought in the spiritual field…
What may active move of the birds to the dome, in particular, at night hours be conditioned by?
It’s a well-known fact in biology, when it’s becoming cold, ravens move from one place to the other with a group. It’s one of ways of existence of ravens. Maybe their activeness is conditioned by cold, as in the evening the temperature drops.
You denied all biological reasons. Finally how should we perceive the reasons?
Prior to answering to this question I’d like to mention, that I’m a deep believer and follower of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In this case it’s worth remembering “Noah’s raven” expression and essence of it, and I’ll refrain from any comments. Putting aside all biological theories, I’ll reflect to the spiritual commenting of the phenomenon. It’s known that birds feel any kind of disaster earlier—let them be natural or spiritual. In this case they may be abundant precipitations, natural disasters, anomalous climate change and etc. God forbid.
As an ornithologist I may only give one comment, we come across with so many anomalous phenomena in the spiritual life, that now, under this condition, I consider, it’s linked to upper powers as well. If it’s a saint place and it’s a place of gathering for ravens, then, I’m sorry, but nothing good may be anticipated. I may only clearly give its biological explanation.
By Nvard Manvelyan
