Akhtala


The estate-farm and monastery of the princes of the Gugark world have been known to historians since the 5th century. In later centuries, when copper mines were discovered here, Agarak was renamed Pghndzahank, and the monastery was renamed Pghndzahank Monastery. The settlement and church named Akhtala have been mentioned in historical sources since the 14th century.
 

The Holy Mother of God monastery in Akhtala


"Me, Mariam, daughter of Kyurike, have erected a bronze altar to the Holy Mother of God. You who worship, remember my prayer to us.” The khachkar with this inscription, created by order of Princess Mariam, is in the courtyard of Akhtala; it is the de facto passport of the monastery. The khachkar, made in 1188, is tangible evidence of attempts by foreigners, especially Georgians, to appropriate the monastery at different times and of the settlement of disputes. The Akhtala monastery is the largest monastery in the region named after the Mother of God. It is also one of the richest monasteries in frescoes: 960 square meters of unique medieval frescoes have come down to us, which have never been restored in 800 years.

The Holy Savior church of Gyumri


The Church of the Holy Savior, considered one of the symbols of Gyumri, celebrates the 150th anniversary of its construction this year. It is said that the people of Gyumri dreamed of having a church similar to the Mother Cathedral of Ai and began collecting donations for its construction in the 1850s. The church, built in 1873 with great difficulties and expectations, ceased to function in the 1930s under the coercion of the Soviet authorities, and in 1937 the Bolsheviks blew up the bell tower. The final blow to the Church of the Holy Savior was the devastating earthquake of 1988, when the church collapsed. After many years of restoration, the restoration of the Church of the Holy Savior was completed in 2024 and was reconsecrated under the auspices of the Armenian Patriarch.

In the footsteps of Grots and Brots


2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Garegin Srvandztyants’ book “Grots and Brots and David of Sasun or Mher's Door”. This significant book for Armenian philology and ethnography, among other important materials, published the first version of the epic “Sasna Tsrer”. The video film presents this book, accompanied by exclusive footage from filming in Sasun in 2024, which presents the places, monuments and churches, Armenian-populated villages and people remembered in the national epic.

 

Holy Mother of God Church in Yeghipatrush


Built in the 13th century by the order of Vache Vachutyan, the Church of the Holy Mother of God has kept awake not only the spiritual life of Yeghipatrush, but also the surrounding villages. Locals say that the church bell rang so powerfully that it was heard several villages away. Locals tell about the church of the village, the unique khachkars painted in scarlet.

Aruch: Mamikonian residence and 7th century church


Sanctuaries, caravanserai, fort, palace of Mamikonians, many khachkars. However, the pride of the people of Aruch, who have received a rich historical heritage, is the 7th century Saint Grigor Church, next to which was the residence of Grigor Mamikonyan.

Makaravank


Armenian sanctuaries- Makaravank 

Sevanavank


In the 9th century, Princess Mariam Bagratuni promised to build 40 churches in her husband's memory. She built four monasteries in Gegharkunik, one in the most difficult place, on an incomparably large Sevan Island. The monastery becomes a powerful place of worship.
Today's Sevan Peninsula is presented to you in the film "Sevanavank" with its little-known but very valuable corners.

Kecharis Monastery


Armenian sanctuaries- Kecharis

Hayravank


Armenian sanctuaries- Hayravank

Church of Bjni


Armenian sanctuaries- Holy Mother of God Church in Bjni.

Hovhannavank Monastery


Armenian sanctuaries - Hovhannavank Monastery.