ERIZA. — An Armenian city in the district of Ekelitz, also called Justinianopoli because it was fortified by Emperor JUSTINIANO. It was famous in antiquity for its grand and artistic temple of Diana (Anahita). In E., during the festivals of this goddess, St. Gregory the Illuminator, after being subjected to martyrdom for having converted Armenia, purified and consecrated this temple to Christian worship. After the 12th century, archbishops of E. are officially mentioned.
BIBL.: Mosè Korenese, Storia, II, 13, 57; Agatangelo, Storia, XIV; Procopio, Pers., I, 17; L. Ingigiani, Topografia dell'Armenia antica, Venezia 1822, V. indice. Serafino Akelian
ERLAU, ARCHDIOCESE OF: see AGRIA, ARCHDIOCESE OF.