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.
St. Karapet Monastery in Mush
St. Karapet (John the Baptist) Monastery in Mush, also known as Msho Sultan Surb Karapet, Glakavank, and Innaknian Monastery, was situated in Greater Armenia's region of Taron, Turuberan province, near the town of Mush. It was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, on the site of a pagan altar dedicated to the idols of Gissaneh and Demetreh.
Dadivank
Dadivank or Khutavank is a monastery situated in Artsakh, on the bank of the River Tartar, on the slope of a forest-covered mountain. It is said to be built in the 1st century AD, on the burial site of one of the disciples of Thaddeus the Apostle's, Dadi, who was martyred in Artsakh for spreading Christianity.
Gandzasar Monastery
The Monastery of Gandzasar is situated on Mountain Vank opposite the homonymous village, in the Martakert region of Artsakh Republic. It was founded before the 10th century. The monastery's Church of St. John the Baptist was built by Prince Hasan-Jalal Dola in 1216-1238.
Noravank
Noravank is a monastic complex built in the 13th century and located in the gorge of the Amaghu river, near the city of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Church of Holy Mother of God (Astvatsatsin). In the 13th–14th centuries, the monastery became the residence of Syunik's bishops and, consequently, a major religious and later cultural center of Armenia.
Kecharis
The marvelous monastery complex of Kecharis is located in the northwestern part of the Armenian town of Tsakhkadzor, Kotayk marz. The principal church of the complex is the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator built in 1033 A.D. by Grigor Magistros Pahlavouni. The residence of the prelate of the Kotayk Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church is at Kecharis Monastery.
Monastery of St. George of Mughni
This episode is about the Monastery of St. George (Gevorg) (XIII-XVII cc.), which is located in the village of Mughni, in Aragatsotn marz of Armenia. According to 17th century historian Zakaria Sarkavag, the monastery was founded by the congregation of Hovhannavank Monastery, who brought with themselves the relics of St. George. Among the sacred objects preserved in the Mughni Monastery are the Right Hand of St. George, and the relics of Thaddeus the Apostle and Matthew the Evangelist.
St. Mesrop Mashtots Church of Oshakan
St. Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan is located in the village of Oshakan, Aragatsotn marz of Armenia. Since 1996, it has served as the vicarial church of the Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The burial-vault of St. Mesrop Mashtots built by Prince Vahan Amatouni in 443 is inside the church.