PLACES OF WORSHIP

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ST. JOHN CHURCH OF AVAN


V-VI centuries, renovated in 1271


State index: 1.2.13

The church is located in Avan district, in the area adjacent to N. Safaryan Street, on the hillside, on the south from St. Astvatsatsin Church (also called chapel). No historical information is known about the construction. The fact that it was founded in the early Middle Ages is evidenced by the horseshoe-shaped arch of the dome of the tabernacle, the isosceles crosses encircled on the keystone of the entrance, red-colored frescoes (Daniel in the lions den - V-VI centuries, Fish - V-VI centuries), etc.

The church is a vaulted (demolished) single-nave hall built on a two-level earthen rampart. The walls are made of red and black tuff, decorated with numerous crosses. The cruciform figures bordering the altar were carved by a master named Tseruni, probably in the X-XI centuries. The interior was renovated in 1271 by Avanshah and his son Mevan. It was destroyed in 1679 from the great earthquake of the Ararat valley.

In 1968 cleaning, strengthening and partial restoration works of the church were carried out.

The nearby extensive cemetery (V-XVII centuries) was destroyed as a result of constructions. Fragments of early medieval quadrangular obelisks, sculptured cross stones and fragments, several dozen flat, rectangular, pitched and cradle-shaped tombstones have been preserved. Some of the cross stones and tombstones are inscribed (the cross stone of Norchik: XV-XVI centuries, the cross stone of Melikset, XVI century, the cross stone of Marian: 1610, the tombstone of Grigores: 1282, the tombstone of Mr. Shnahvor: 1301, etc. ). In this area, you can find the renowned walled cross stone of Avan, crafted by Grigor Anetsi in 1297. This monument was erected by the Luys and Shakarkhatun couple, and it is situated near the northeast corner of the church. The latter is one of the best works of monumental art of medieval Armenia, with delicate and detailed carvings.

Ruins of buildings, fragments of cross stones, tombstones have been preserved in the gardens between the churches.

 

“Scientific Research Center of Historical and Cultural Heritage SNCO

Yerevan Municipality 




In the area adjacent to N. Safaryan Str.