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.
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.
