Yerevan St. Zoravor Church

This is one of the oldest churches of Yerevan. At first, it was called St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God), but later it was renamed St. Zoravor (Mighty). The church is located in the Shahar District of Old Yerevan where the tomb and the Chapel of St. Ananias the Apostle (the disciple of Christ who opened Saul’s (future St. Paul the Apostle) eyes) were previously located. This chapel was regarded as a famous sanctuary.

A monastic complex was built here which consisted of a diocese prelacy, a church, the mentioned chapel, as well as of chambers for the members of the congregation and monastic school. However the complex was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1679.

Today’s St. Zoravor Church was built in 1693 on the same site of the monastery. The church is of the three-nave basilica type with no dome. On the eastern side of the prayer hall is the main altar with vestries at the northern and southern corners. Architecturally, the interior and exterior features of the church are characterized by a striking simplicity. To a certain extent the tri-vaulted porch in the western part of the church with decorative columns provides a substantial liveliness. On the flat parts of the outer walls there are beautifully carved khachkars (cross stones) bearing dates referring to the 17^th century.