Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank)

Included in UNESCO List of World Heritage. Cave carved monastery churches and chapels. Rock of cross-stones. Type: Monastic complex Age: IV-XIII cc. Region: Kotayk Diocese: Under the auspice of the Mother See Minimal Walking Distance: 100 metres

The marvelous monastic complex of Geghard dug in a cave and set up in the mountains by the bank of River Azat (Free) is a breathtaking pilgrimage site. It’s amongst the top tourist sites in Armenia. Full of numerous cells and chapels it still preserves the cell where St. Grigor Lusavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) used to isolate himself in prayers. The cave church of St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) of the 4^th c. is still accessible by the entrance of the renovated territory of the monastery.

The name Geghard means Lance as the spear that pierced our Lord Jesus Christ’s side during the crucifixion later was brought to Armenia by one of the 12 apostles of Christ – St. Thaddeus (Judas)

The architecture of the monastery is very rich. You can find survivals from the early 4^th c. to the Zakarids’ period of late 13^th c. The mausoleum of Proshyans is another famous piece of art. Various khachkars (cross-stones), an Armenian phenomenon, can be traced here. The setting of the complex is inspiring and provoking a healthy spiritual retreat.

Miracles/Legends:

There is a miraculous water basin in one of the chapels inside the church that has healing power for even very sick people. There are many cases recorded.

There is also a wonderful legend about how the monastery was built. A brother and a sister from a noble family, who wanted to build a church, asked God to help them to decide the exact location. One morning they saw their hoe stuck on the top of the mountain. Soon after they built a splendid temple in the rock. Till the end of their lives they lived with faith, served the temple and died there.

Visit Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank) via following packages:

Armenia and the Armenians | 14 days, 15 nights

Destinations/Sites: Alex and Marie Manoogian Treasury House Museum, Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gandzasar Monastery, Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Haghartsin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hripsime Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Marmashen Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Noravank Monastery, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Pontifical Residence Museum, Sanahin Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery, Tegher Monastery
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Karabakh,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Artsakh,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
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From Noah till Nowadays | 12 days, 13 nights

Destinations/Sites: Amberd St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Etchmiadzin Cathedral, Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum, Gayane Church, Geghard Monastery (Ayrivank), Gyumri St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Haghartsin Monastery, Haghpat Monastery, Hayravank Monastery, Hripsime Church, Karmravor Church, Khor Virap Monastery, Makaravank Monastery, Marmashen Monastery, Matenadaran after St. Mesrop Mashtotz, Mughni Monastery (St. Gevork Monastery), Noratus Khachkar (Cross-Stone) “Forest”, Noravank Monastery, Odzun St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) Church, Oshakan St. Mesrop Mashtotz Church, Pontifical Residence Museum, Saghmosavank Monastery, Sanahin Monastery, Sevanavank Monastery, Shoghakat Church, Vanadzor Srbots Mankants (Holy Children) Chapel, Yerevan St. Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator) Cathedral, Yerevan Surb Yerrordutiun (Holy Trinity) Church, Zvartnots Cathedral
Regions: Aragatsotn,  Ararat,  Armavir,  Gegharkounik,  Kotayk,  Lori,  Shirak,  Tavush,  Vayots Dzor,  Yerevan
Dioceses: Aragatsotn,  Araratian Pontifical Diocese,  Gegharkounik,  Gougark,  Shirak,  Siunik,  Under the auspice of the Mother See
Recommended for: First time visitors with moderate spiritual experience
Apply Now!