Kim Kardashian and Kanye West look on in pictures as North is baptised

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter North was baptised in a traditional Armenian ceremony during the family's recent visit to Jerusalem
The ceremony took place in the 12th-century Saint James Cathedral, within the walls of the Old City
Reality TV star Kim covered her body in long clothing while wearing a headscarf, as per the requirements of the faith
The 22-month-old's service was watched over by Kim's sister Khloe, who was named her godmother
North is now a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the oldest national church in the world
The following morning, the famous family visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The site is believed to be the location of the crucifixion and resting place of Jesus of Nazareth

By Lucy Mapstone for MailOnline

Published: 07:00 EST, 24 April 2015 | Updated: 10:27 EST, 24 April 2015

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter North is now a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church - the oldest national church in the world - after being baptised in a traditional ceremony.

The baptism took place following the famous family's recent visit to Kim's homeland Armenia, which saw them take a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the 22-month-old's special ceremony.

It was one of the highest honours for the youngster, her baptism into civilisation's most ancient religion taking place at St. James Cathedral, a 12th century church that sits within the walls of Jerusalem's Old City.

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Incredible moment: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West took their daughter North to be baptised in the holy St. James Cathedral in Jerusalem's Old City during their recent trip to the Holy Land

The centuries-old church in the Holy Land was swarmed by fans as the famous family entered the building.

But inside the iconic temple, the scenes were markedly different, as Kim held her daughter gently in her arms ahead of her induction into the faith.

The reality TV star, who is known for her love of a revealing ensemble, instead wore a full length skirt and long-sleeved blouse to keep her body covered as per the traditional etiquette of the church.

Traditional: Kim covered her body in a full skirt and long sleeves, while wearing a scarf on her head as a mark of respect while cradling her 22-month-old during the service

An honour: North West was inducted into the Armenian Apostolic Church on April 13, the same religion as her famous mother

Family first: Kim's sister Khloe Kardashian (right) was also in attendance at the ceremony, acting as godmother to her niece

Rite of passage: Kim held her daughter in her arms as the Baptism minister read the holy scripture

Centuries-old ceremony: The family were joined by members of the Armenian church for the service

And covering her head and hair was a headscarf, a garment which must be worn by women at all times while inside the church during service.

The serene star cradled her little girl, who fell asleep for a short while during the hour-long service, as rapper Kanye stood silently beside them, his head bowed.

North wore a traditional white gown for the service, and her father matched her with his white trousers and long-sleeved jumper.

Male attendees at an Armenian church are not required to cover their head once inside a building, meaning the musician was able to go without a headdress.

Baby North gets babtized in Jerusalem's old city

Uncovered: As a male attendee within the church, 37-year-old Kanye was not required to wear anything on his head, unlike the adult female members of his family

A big moment: At nearly two years old, little North may not have been completely aware of the incredibly important show of faith around her

Kisses: While being cuddled by Kim, North was given a kiss by her famous father

Incredible scenes: Within the 12th century church, North looked on as she received one of the holiest blessings in civilisation

Kim's younger sister Khloe, 30, was also in attendance at the baptism, acting as her niece's godmother, and it was previously reported that she was chosen for the special role due to her closeness with the child.

She too sported a headscarf, and stood further back beyond her sister and brother-in-law for the duration of the rite of passage.

But at one point, she stepped closer and touched the tot's arm as she looked back over her mother's shoulder into the large church beyond.

Kardashian's arrives at church for baptism ceremony

Out of her hands: Doting mum Kim, 34, then passed her only daughter to the minister, who was above them on the altar

Proud moment: Kim and Kanye looked on as their tot was taken into the arms of the Armenian church official

Family event: Khloe looked on from behind her sister and brother-in-law

Serene: While outside the iconic holy building were scenes of chaos as fans gathered to see the famous family, inside was a different matter

Quiet time: Kanye seemed chastened by the entire ceremony, as his daughter became a member of the Armenian Apostolic Church, otherwise known as the Gregorian Church

Noble moment: North is now a member of the oldest national church in the world

All tuckered out: North will celebrate her second birthday in June, just a few weeks after joining her parents for their tour of Armenia and Jerusalem

It's also thought that the priest conducting the service acted as godfather: while an uncommon practice, it is an option when no other suitable person is present.

As is the conventional method, North was taken by the Baptism minister and had Holy water poured over her head, an age-old tradition in order to 'cleanse the soul from original sin' as well as making one an official member of the Armenian Apostolic Church, otherwise known as the Gregorian Church.

She was also given a cross by the church during the service, which was conducted in both Armenian and English.

The little girl was taken up to the altar by the minister, as her parents stepped back and watched on.

A small crowd was assembled inside the holy temple to watch North's blessing, while a larger group of people had gathered outside the building to catch a glimpse of the Kardashian-Wests.

Kim, Kanye, Khloe, and baby North arrive in Jerusalem

Sleepy girl: During the hour-long service, North fell asleep for a little while

Doting auntie: While Khloe stood behind Kim and Kanye, she reached out to stroke North's arm in the midst of service

Baptism traditions: North had Holy water poured on her head, and was also given a cross, as Kim later admitted she was 'thankful' for the special event

Bilingual: The ceremony lasted an hour, and was conducted in both English and Armenian

Following the service, Kim told People magazine: 'It was such a beautiful experience for my family to have North baptised in Jerusalem. Kanye and I are so thankful.'

Archbishop Aris Shirvanian, an Armenian church official, revealed beforehand that the family had indeed arrived for the baptism ceremony during their two-day visit to Jerusalem, on April 13.

'Kim Kardashian's daughter will be baptised and become a Christian officially and a member of the Armenian church,' he explained, amid the commotion that was taking place thanks to the inescapable lure of the Kardashian-Wests.

'All I know is that she's a famous personality. I don't know her in person. In any case she is welcome with her family.'

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH: THE FIRST NATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The Armenian Apostolic Church is the world's oldest national church and was founded at the beginning of the 4th century AD, when the country became the first to officially adopt Christianity.

93% of Armenians are part of it and there are estimated to be around eight million members worldwide, more than one million of whom reside in the US.

It differs from Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches as instead of recognising Christ in two separate essences - human and divine - it promotes a doctrinal position known as miaphysitism, which holds that in the one person of Jesus Christ, divinity and humanity are united in one 'nature'.

Notable religious traditions unique to the church include spraying a baby with water three times and submerging them three times during christenings. During communion only pure wine and fermented bread soaked in wine are used.

The church, seen by many as the custodian of Armenian national identity, was founded by Gregory the Illuminator.

Gregory is believed to have been a prince of a Parthia, a region located in what is now north-eastern Iran.

He was educated as a Christian in Cappadocia, modern-day Turkey, before travelling to Armenia in the midst of a Christian persecution led by the country's monarch King Tiridates III.

Gregory managed to convert the king to Christianity in around 300 AD and Tiridates became the first monarch in history to impose the religion on his people - 20 years before Roman Emperor Constantine I.

As the centuries progressed, the church developed a close relationship with the Syrians, who provided it with scriptures and liturgy and much of its basic institutional terminology.

Gregory the Illuminator's official residence was in Ejmiatsin, west-central Armenia.

Today, the church is run by four main bishop-like figures, known as catholicosates and patriarchates.

The catholicos of Ejmiadsin is generally recognized as the head of the whole church and bears the title 'Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians' - though he actually resides in Antelias, Lebanon.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, as Kim is a member of the Armenian church, Kanye was raised a Christian with his rather Ray West becoming a Christian counsellor in his later life.

An openly-spiritual man, he has previously spoken about his love of Jesus Christ and his love of his faith, with religion a recurring theme in his musical work: in fact, one of the songs on his album Yeezus is entitled I Am God.

He maintains that his artistry and talents are God-given gifts, and in an interview with Los Angeles-based radio station Power 106 back in 2013, he stated: 'I'm working on one mission and that's a mission from God, period.'

He famously travelled with a pastor on one of his tours, due to the heavily religious and Christian overtones to his staging.

Early morning visit: The following day, at 5am, the family visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Landmark moment: The husband and wife touched a marble slab within the historical site, which is identified as the place of both the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth

Part of the family's trip was filmed for their eponymous Keeping Up With The Kardashians programme, but their time within the cathedral was off camera.

After the service, the family dined with Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat at Mona Restaurant.

The following day, at a very early 5am, Kim, Kanye, Khloe and North returned to the Old City of Jerusalem to visit the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Their early morning visit gave them the chance to take in the ancient architecture and the history around them in the Christian Quarter, while avoiding the crowds and chaos of the previous day.

Also known as the Church of the Resurrection, it is identified as the place both of the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth.

Doting father Kanye also took his daughter in his arms and took a solo walk around the area for their rare moment of family solitude, less than a day after she was inducted into the same church to which her mother belongs.

No chaos: To avoid the busy scenes from the previous day, they went out in the small hours to have a tour of the holy site

Alone time: The family used their time wisely, taking in the scenes of history in Jerusalem

Busy girl: North has visited some incredible places at such a tender age

Sisterly addition: Also on their early morning trip was Khloe, who covered her face with a pair of shades despite the pre-dawn darkness

Happy daddy: Kanye bore a huge smile as he carried his newly-baptised girl through the capital of Israel

Returning to his wife and sister-in-law, the Grammy winning artist then joined them as they went inside the iconic religious building, taking photos of the altar while mingling with other early morning church-goers as a priest dictated passages from the Bible.

Kim took her mobile phone out to record the moment as hymns were sung all around them by the church choir.

The family then took to their knees on the ground where Jesus Christ is believed to have been laid to rest after his death, Kim and Kanye both touching the marble slab looking humbled by the experience.

They ended their trip inside the church by going up to the exact height where Jesus was crucified on the cross, and kneeling on the ground before it before leaving at 6am.

Taking it all in: The Kardashian-Wests met with a few others as dawn broke in the midst of the holy area

Landmark moment: Kim and Kanye took their youngster to the site of the Holy Sepulchre

One for the photo album: North's visit to Jerusalem will be a memory she'll no doubt cherish for the rest of her life

Privileged: The famous couple - who married in 2014 - woke up early to see the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and crouched below the altar in the holy temple

Kim had previously given her millions of fans on social media a glimpse into perhaps the most sacred part of their trip, sharing a couple of pictures taken within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the family crouched beneath the statue of Christ.

'Good morning Jerusalem! We woke up really early to see the site where the crucifixion of Jesus Christ took place,' she wrote on Instagram.

Kim's pilgrimage to Jerusalem followed her visit to her ancestral home, which coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

As part of the famous family - who are now best known for their landmark reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians - Kim and her siblings hail from the country on their late father Robert Kardashian's side.

Taking it all in: Kim dressed respectfully in a formal dress and long coat as she took in the sites of the historial landmark

Touched: Khloe appeared humbled as she stood in front of the tomb of Jesus Christ

Getting involved: The Kardashians and Kanye West also attended an early morning service, mingling with the other church-goers

Snap happy: Kim took the phone out to take pictures while holding her daughter on her hip

The celebrity lawyer, who passed away in 2003 just eight weeks after being diagnosed with cancer, raised his children Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and Robert Jr, to know about their Armenian heritage.

His ancestors fled the country during the genocide, thanks to the word of a 'prophet' who warned them of a war, imploring them to travel to America and make a new life there.

Known at the time as the Kardaschoffs, in the Russian style, the family made their way from their home village of Karakale in the late 19th Century to German ports. From there, they travelled to a new life in America on the passenger vessels SS Brandenberg and SS Koln.

By doing so, they escaped the triple horror of the First World War from 1914-18, the 'Armenian Genocide' starting in 1915 - exactly a century ago this year - and the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Incognito: For their private family visit, they were pretty much able to go unnoticed

Taking memories: Khloe also made sure to take photographs within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Blending in: Scenes of busy chaos from the previous day were a distant memory as they emerged from the church

Checking out the shots? Kim seemed distracted as she looked at her device

A landmark trip: The family had previously been in Armenia - the Kardashians' ancestral home - before embarking on a two-day tour of Jerusalem's Old City

Still stylish: Kim managed to look flawless as she accompanied her husband and daughter for their early morning stint

Among those fleeing Erzurum - then in Armenia, and ruled by last Russian Tsar Nicholas II - was family patriarch Hovhannes Miroyan and Kim's great-great grandfather, born in 1844. He married the doughty Luciag Chorbajian, born in 1853.

The couple wed in Erzurum, which is now in Turkey, in 1867 but escaped along with their daughter Vartanoosh Mironyan, born in 1886, in the early 20th century.

Vartanoosh's distinctly blonde daughter Haigoohi Arakelian - known as Helen, born in America in 1917, the year the Bolshevik Revolution rocked the Russian Empire - was Kim's grandmother, who later married into the Kardashian clan.

The glamorous and 'dynamic' Helen wed Arthur who ran the largest meat-packing business in southern California.

Helen's son Robert married Kris Houghton and they had four children - Kim, Khloe, Kourtney and Robert Jr.

Alone time: Kanye was then seen carrying his daughter as the two of them went off for a solo trek

Adorable: Perhaps unaware of the baptism ceremony focused on her that had taken place hours before, North was taken on a tour around the Old City with daddy

Humble entrance: With his hood up over his head, Kanye made for a low-key guest into the Holy Sepulchre

Amazed: North held the rapper's hand as she looked around the incredible interior of the holy building

Only Kim and Khloe from the Kardashian clan visited Armenia, with their older sister Kourtney, 36, and brother Robert Jr, 28, staying behind at home in California.

A few days before the baptism of North West, Kim and Khloe had visited the eternal flame of the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on the outskirts of Armenia's capital Yerevan as part of their highly publicised tour.

On Friday April 10, the reality TV stars placed flowers at the memorial to the 1915 mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman soldiers, which took place during World War I.

Upon her arrival in the country, Kim gushed on Instagram: 'Armenia we are here!!!!! We are so grateful to be here & start this journey of a lifetime! Thank you to everyone who greeted us! I can't wait to explore our country and have some yummy food! ️#MyDadAndGrandParentsWouldBeSoProud.'

She also explained: 'My husband and daughter came to Armenia as well to see my heritage and learn about my ancestors! My cousins came along too! So excited I can't sleep.'

Tour guide: They seemed to be led by an expert around the church

Hurry up! The little girl - clad in shorts, boots and a leather jacket - quickly ran behind her father as they carried on

Off home? They finished their trek around the city to return to meet Kim and Khloe

THE KARDASHIANS' CONNECTION TO ARMENIA

Robert Kardashian, father of Kim, Kourtney, Khloe and Robert Jr, was a third-generation Armenian American.

The celebrity lawyer, who passed away in 2003 just eight weeks after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, passed on his pride in his heritage to his family, who have been vocal about their Armenian roots.

Robert's ancestors fled the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century, thanks to a 'prophet' who urged them to uproot to America.

Known at the time as the Kardaschoffs, in Russian style, the family made their way from their home village of Karakale in the late 19th Century to German ports. From there, they travelled to a new life in America on the passenger vessels SS Brandenberg and SS Koln.

By doing so, they escaped the triple horror of the First World War from 1914-18, the 'Armenian Genocide' starting in 1915 - exactly a century ago this year - and the Russian Revolution in 1917.

Among those fleeing Erzurum - then in Armenia, and ruled by last Russian Tsar Nicholas II was family patriarch Hovhannes Miroyan and Kim's great great grandfather, born in 1844. He married Luciag Chorbajian, born in 1853.

The couple wed in Erzurum, which is now in Turkey, in 1867 but escaped along with their daughter Vartanoosh Mironyan, born in 1886, in the early 20th century.

The glamorous and 'dynamic' Helen wed Arthur who ran the largest meat-packing business in southern California.

Helen's son Robert married Kris Houghton and fathered the 21st Century's biggest reality TV stars Kourtney, Khloe, Robert Jr and most famous of all - Kim.

Their mother Kris eventually married Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner and together they raised two more TV personalities, Kendall and Kylie.

Ties that bind: The Kardashian family tree that traces back to two Molokan Armenian families

She was also honoured to have met with the country's Prime Minister, along with a couple of her cousins who live in the country.

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan had received the family in Yerevan on Thursday, shortly after their arrival from the US.

'It was an honor to meet the Prime Minister of Armenia, Hovik Abrahamyan who expressed how proud they are that we are proud Armenians and we have not forgotten our roots! #NeverForget,' Kardashian wrote on her Instagram account.

The 100th anniversary of the mass killings in World War One will be commemorated by Armenia on April 24.

Armenians, some Western historians and some foreign parliaments refer to the mass killings as genocide.

Treated like royalty: While still in Armenia the day before heading to Jerusalem, Kim and Khloe were treated to a special dinner with locals

Special guest: Kim appeared to be given a necklace while sitting at the dinner table in the converted carpet factory

Entertainment: The reality TV siblings watched on as a dancer performed in front of them

Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their kin were killed between 1915 and 1917 as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart and have long sought to win international recognition of the massacres as genocide.

Turkey rejects the claims, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops.

During the trip, Kim and her family also spent time visiting the provincial city of Gymuri, where her distant relatives reside.

Kim and Khloe were also treated to a special dinner, the two of them receiving the royal treatment at a converted carpet factory, before the family left to head to the Holy Land for their private two-day tour.

Taking part: Khloe jumped up and was taught some dance moves by the guests

Kicking up her heels! Looking slick in a pair of skinny jeans and towering shoes, along with a traditional Armenian jacket, Khloe gave it her all at the feast

Such fun: She could barely contain her giggles, while her sister Kim stayed seated at the table

Kanye remained at the hotel with North, while the sisters took part in the somewhat raucous festivities, Khloe leaping up to the dancefloor at one point to receive a dancing lesson from locals, who made up the assembled guests at the feast.

She could barely contain her laughter as she tried to master some of the traditional moves while Kim, dressed head-to-toe in white and wearing a large necklace that appeared to have been gifted to her, looked on from the dinner table.

The family finally ended their extended stay in Armenia and Jerusalem after eight days, Khloe returning to the United States as Kim, Kanye and North went on to Paris, France for work purposes.

A special time: At the start of their Armenia trip, Kim and Khloe visited the genocide memorial in Yerevan along with their cousins

Meanwhile, on Friday April 24 - the official 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide - Kim took to her Twitter to leave a string of messages as a mark of respect and to also show her pride at being of Armenian descent.

'Today marks the 100 year anniversary of Armenian Genocide! I am proud to now say I have been to Armenia,' she began telling her 31.1m fans on the social networking site.

'I have seen the memorials and the people who survived and I am so proud of how strong the Armenian people are!

'I am saddened that still 100 years later not everyone has recognized that 1.5 million people were murdered.

'But proud of the fact that I see change and am happy many people have started to recognize this genocide!'

She continued: 'We won't give up, we will be recognized by all soon! #NeverForget #ProudArmenian.'

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

The Kardashian family travelled to Armenia as the country prepared to mark the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on April 24.

During the eight-day trip, the family group and a film crew visted Yerevan's genocide memorial and Armenia's National Archives to see documents about the Kardashian family ancestors.

Turkey rejects the claims, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops.

Kim and her family have publicly supported international recognition of the massacres and in 2011, Kim wrote a blog post calling on Americans to recognise the slayings.

'Until this crime is resolved truthfully and fairly, the Armenian people will live with the pain of what happened to their families and the fear of what might happen again to their homeland,' the star wrote.

Upon their arrival on April 9, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan received Kardashian and her family in the capital Yerevan and praised their contribution to 'international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian genocide,' his press service said.