Armenian Monasteries and Sanctuaries
Throughout the centuries, Armenian monasteries have played a great role in the spiritual, cultural and political life of the Armenian people. These holy sites are recognized not only as centers of prayer, but also as scriptoriums where numerous works and translations were scripted, hand-copied and passed on to generations to come. Many of the church complexes represent magnificent and inimitable samples of the Armenian ancient and medieval architecture.
Kirants Monastery
The Kirants Monastery is located in the Tavush marz of the Republic of Armenia, around 12 km west of Kirants village, on the left bank of Kumen, the tributary of the River Voskepar, on a picturesque plain covered with forests. The monastery complex was founded in the 13th century.
The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin is the central church of the Catholicosate of All Armenians. According to the historian Agathangelos, it was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator, with the support of King Tiridates III, in 302-303, in the Armenian capital town of Vagharshapat, in the vicinity of the royal palace.
St. Karapet Monastery of Aprakunis
St. Karapet (John the Forerunner) Monastery of Aprakunis was located in the Syunik province of Greater Armenia, on the right bank of the River Yernjak, near the village of Aprakunis, presently — in the Julfa region of Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. The monastery was founded by Patriarch Malakia of Crimea (Maghakia Ghrimetsi Vardapet) in 1381.