Armenian monasteries in Armenia. Armenian churches of the Crimea. Armenian monasteries in the light of Byzantine tradition
The Armenian Apostolic Church recently celebrated a big holiday - the Finding of the Holy Cross. The festive liturgy in Echmiadzin, where the residence of the country's spiritual leader, the Catholicos, is located, was sent with a slight deviation from tradition - four nuns took part in the service.
Despite the popularity and influence of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian monasteries have long been a rarity. Four participants in the liturgy held on the second Sunday of September at the Church of St. Hripsime in Echmiadzin, an inhabitant of the world's only Armenian nunnery.
Women's monasteries in Armenia almost ceased to exist after the 4th century AD, when King Popes ordered them to be closed, believing that women should get married, and not retire from the world, devoting their lives to God.
The temple of St. Hripsime was erected in the seventh century on the very spot where Hripsime and 32 other righteous virgins were betrayed three centuries before the martyrdom. So King Trdat punished Hripsime for the fact that she refused to marry him.
The monastery of St. Hripsime has one peculiarity - there is no mother abbess here, and the nuns are entrusted to the care of a man. “We are all children of God, regardless of sex or age,” the monastery's abbot, Archimandrite Martiros Poghosyan, told IWPR.
Father Martiros, whose name means "martyr for the faith" in Armenian, is a "black monk" and has no right to marry. According to him, the path that the women chose when they came to the monastery is unusual, but they did it without coercion. “Leaving the world is a purely voluntary matter, no one forced these women to choose this very life,” he said.
It is not at all difficult to become a nun, but only true believers will be accepted into the monastery.
“The abode is not a place for solving social problems, we cannot give people jobs and livelihoods. We do not even have a monastic hierarchy, as, for example, in the Russian Orthodox Church, there is no term for obedience, let alone tonsure. We believe that if a person came to God, he realized it, "said Father Martiros.
"I am also a person and I understand that going to a monastery is a kind of escape from an abnormal life, from disorder, maybe even from oneself."
Of the four nuns, the youngest is 42 and the oldest is 56.
Nuns rarely communicate with lay people, but this is not forbidden to them. They can visit relatives, go to the city as needed. Although, as one of the nuns, who identified herself as Elizabeth, admitted to IWPR, there is no particular need to travel to Yerevan. “We live quietly, we don’t need anything, they even give us a salary - $ 40 a month by order of the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II,” she said.
The monastery of the nuns is small, surrounded by a small garden and vegetable garden. The vegetables and fruits grown here are quite enough for the sisters, the father-rector and the deacon at the church. They also keep chickens here, in a word - quite a decent farm, given that only four women are engaged in it, frankly, not very young.
“We definitely participate in all divine services, help the priest as much as we can,” says Sister Aida.
"You know, a regulated life has its advantages - a clearly scheduled day does not give time to indulge in idle thoughts. There is work here all the time - prayer in the morning, then a meal, housework, prayer and bedtime. We also have a TV set, so We cannot be called hermits. By the way, there is no "church censorship" for watching programs - we just choose what suits us best. "
The conversation with the abbot took place in the courtyard of the monastery, and the kitchen smelled deliciously of freshly baked bread. “Yes, we have everything here,” he said.
Nuns are subject only to the Charter of the Church, which is separated from the state by the Constitution, which means that they are not subject to any social benefits and benefits. True, they do not pay for anything - all utilities, as well as household needs, are paid by the church, or rather the temple where the monastery is located. “They are free from worldly burdens, and they are not afraid of a beggarly pension,” said Father Martiros.
Nuns are thought of differently in the world.
30-year-old Astghik Poghosyan is skeptical of the inhabitants of St. Hripsime Monastery. “Perhaps these women had no other choice but to go to a monastery, they did not have enough strength to withstand social difficulties. But on the other hand, it is just an escape from reality. Somehow I do not believe in their desire to serve God, ”she told IWPR.
Garegin, who works as a manager at a computer company, agrees with her. “You have to get so tired of life to voluntarily give up worldly joys,” he wonders. "I would not want such a fate for my family." In his opinion, the fact that these women ended up in the monastery is to blame for the state, which was unable to provide them with an alternative life to the one they are leading now.
Even the watchman of the temple does not welcome women going to the monastery. “People shouldn't go against nature. It is written for women of the family to marry, to bear children, in a word - to start a family. King Popes did the right thing 16 centuries ago when he closed the women's monasteries. "
However, there are those who admire and even envy the nuns. “I would gladly go to a monastery - not because life is difficult, but because of a lack of spirituality. True, they tell me that this is all a figment of the imagination - but I think that it is right, ”says Knarik Asatryan, a mother of two children.
According to Gayane Minasyan, a student of the Linguistic University, there should be more nuns. "What we see in life is emptiness and the pursuit of material well-being, there is no time to think about the soul. Well done, these women, if there were more of them, it would be better for all of us."
Sister Aida claims that women always have the right to choose.
“We do not impose our decision on anyone. If anyone wants, can come to the monastery, and if he, that is, she came to us consciously - we will only be glad. And if not, you have to say goodbye. They do not hold evil against anyone, they do not forcefully cut their hair, we can be freer than other citizens of Armenia, ”Sister Aida said.
Karine Ter-Sahakyan, freelance journalist, Echmiadzin
The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian churches. The first Christians appeared in Armenia in the first century, when two of Christ's disciples - Fadeus and Bartholomew came to Armenia and began to preach Christianity. And in 301, Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion, becoming the world's first Christian state.
The main role in this was played by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who became the first head of the Armenian Church (302-326), and the king of Great Armenia Trdat, who until then was the most severe persecutor of Christians, but a serious illness and miraculous healing by prayers, who had previously spent 13 years in the dungeon of Gregory. completely changed his attitude.
Despite constant wars and persecutions from the Persians, Arabs, the Mongol-Tatar yoke and finally the Ottoman-Turkish invasion, the Armenians never changed their faith, remaining faithful to their religion.
During the 1700 years of Christianity, many churches were built in Armenia. Some of them were destroyed as a result of persecution, some suffered from earthquakes, but most of the unique and ancient temples have survived to this day.
1. Tatev Monastery. We think many will agree with us that this is not only the most beautiful monastery, but also a temple complex leading in its energy and aura. It is possible to talk about Tatev for a very long time, but it is better to come once and feel its magical power. 
2. Haghpat Monastery. Just like in Tatev, you want to come to Haghpat again and again. And as one of the famous Armenian songwriters said, it is impossible to truly love Armenia if you have not seen the dawn over the Haghpat monastery.
3. Noravank Monastery Complex. Noravank surrounded by red rocks is incredibly beautiful in any weather.
4. Geghard Monastery. A unique architectural structure, part of which is carved into the rock. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
5. Haghartsin Monastery.One of the most mysterious places in Armenia, the Haghartsin monastery complex, immersed in the greenery of mountain forests. It is located not far from everyone's favorite Dilijan.
6. Makaravank Monastery.As well as Haghartsin, it is surrounded by a dense forest of the Tavush region.
7. Odzun Monastery.The recently restored Odzun Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Lori region.
8. Echmiadzin Cathedral.The cathedral, built in 303, is the religious center of all Armenians.
9. Khor Virap monastery. Located at the foot of Mount Ararat, Khor Virap stands alone among all the temples, because it was from here that the Christian era of Armenia began. The monastery was built on the site of a dungeon where the first Catholicos of Armenians, Gregory the Illuminator, spent many years in captivity.
10. Akhtala Monastery. Another unique architectural structure of the Lori region.
11. Temple of Saint Gayane.
Located a few hundred meters from the Cathedral in Echmiadzin. It is one of the best monuments of Armenian architecture.
12. Temple of Saint Hripsime. Another temple with unique architecture located in Etchmiadzin.
13. Vahanavank Monastery.
It is located near the town of Kapan.Surrounded by the stunning nature of the Syunik mountains, the monastery complex is the tomb of the Syunik kings and princes.
14. Sevanavank monastery complex.It is located on the peninsula of Lake Sevan.
15. Saghmosavank Monastery.
It is located near the city of Ashtarak, on the edge of the Kasakh River gorge.
16. Hovhannavank monastery.
Located near Saghmosavank.
17. Monastery complex Kecharis.
Located in the ski resort, the city of Tsakhkazor.
18. Hnevank Monastery.
Located near the city of Stepanavan, the temple is another the most beautiful temple Lori region.
19. Monastery Goshavank. The monastery complex founded by Mkhitar Gosh is located in the village of the same name not far from Dilijan.
20. Gndevank Monastery. Surrounded by beautiful rocks, located in the Vayots Dzor region, near the resort town of Jermuk.
21. Marmashen Monastery. Surrounded by an apple orchard on the banks of the Akhuryan River near the city of Gyumri, the monastery complex is especially beautiful in May, when the trees are in bloom.
22. Vorotnavank monastery. Located near the city of Sisisan.
22. Harichavank Monastery. It is located in the Shirak region near the city of Artik.
23. Tegher Monastery. Located on the southeastern slope of Mount Aragats.
24. Sanahin Monastery.Along with the Haghpat Monastery, Geghard, the Churches of Echmiadzin (the Cathedral, the churches of St. Hripsime and Gayane), as well as the Zvartnots Temple, it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is located near the town of Alaverdi.
25. Tatevi Mets Anapat (Great Tatev desert). The monastery is located in the Vorotan gorge. It was part of the Tatev University. It was connected with the Tatev monastery by an underground passage, which was destroyed during the earthquake.
26. Ayrivank Temple. This small temple is located on the other side of Lake Sevan.
27. Temple Tsakhats Kar. It is located near Yeghegis village, Vayots Dzor region.
28. Church of St. Hovhannes in the village of Ardvi near the town of Alaverdi
29. Vahramashen church and Amberd fortress. Located at an altitude of 2300 m on the slope of Mount Aragats.
30. Ruins of the Zvartnots temple. Translated from ancient Armenian means "Temple of Vigilant Angels". Located on the way from Yerevan to Echmiadzin. Destroyed during an earthquake in the 10th century, it was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
31. Garni Temple... And, of course, we cannot get around one of the most popular temples - the only temple of the pre-Christian era that has survived in Armenia - the pagan temple of Garni. 
Of course, not all the temples of Armenia are represented here, but we tried to mark the most significant of them. We are waiting for you among our guests and we will show you the brightest and most beautiful Armenia.
You can look inside the Armenian temples in the article -
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photo:, Andranik Keshishyan, Mher Ishkhanyan, Artur Manucharyan
Christianity began to penetrate into Armenia already in the 1st century. n. e., at the time of the apostles. Therefore, the Armenian Church is called Apostolic. According to legend, the Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew preached Christianity in Armenia. By the III century. Christianity became very widespread, despite the cruel persecution of Christians, as in Ancient Rome.
The date of adoption of Christianity is considered to be 301 AD It happened during the reign of Tsar Trdat III the Great (287–330), who at first persecuted Christians, but then himself with his family and court adopted the new faith and ordered to baptize “the whole people, all the inhabitants of the Armenian country, from small to large". Thus, Armenia became the first country in the world where Christianity was proclaimed the state religion.
Jivan Gasparyan - Kanatsi par
Sevanavank Monastery - founded in 874. Photo by Pavel Kosenko
Tanaat Monastery (Tanade) VIII century
Tatev Monastery, IX-XVII centuries
Gandzasar Monastery XIII century
Gandzasar Monastery, Gandzasar (Armenian Գանձասար - mountain of treasures) is a functioning monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located on the left bank of the Khachenaget River, near the village of Vank, on the territory of modern Nagorno-Karabakh, in its northwestern part. Gandzasar was first mentioned by the Armenian Catholicos Ananiy Mokatsi in the middle of the 10th century. A new, currently known temple, was built by Prince Hasan Jalalyan "a pious, God-fearing and humble man of Armenian origin" on the site of an old temple mentioned in the 10th century, and solemnly consecrated on July 22, 1240. According to legend, the one cut off by Herod was buried in the shrine of the temple the head of John the Baptist, brought here from Cilician Armenia during one of the crusades, which is why the temple was named St. Hovhannes Mkrtich (John the Baptist).
Information about the construction of the temple is available from the 13th century Armenian historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi. The construction of the temple was carried out from 1216 to 1238, which is reported on the tombstone of Hasan Jalal. This is also evidenced by the inscription preserved inside the monastery above the font.
Ancient Armenian pagan temple of Garni, 1st century BC. Photo by Pavel Kosenko
For the majestic temple, a majestic place was found on the edge of the cliff. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak.
Odzun monastery church. The beginning of construction dates back to the 6th century, later the buildings were reconstructed many times. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Odzun monastery church. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Odzun monastery church. The construction began in the 6th century. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Tatev monastery. The main building was built in 906. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Old Armenian Church in Voskepar. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Monastery complex Geghard. The full name is Geghardavank, literally - "Monastery of the Spear". The name of the monastery complex comes from the spear of Longinus, which pierced the body of Jesus Christ on the Cross, and, allegedly, was brought to Armenia by the Apostle Thaddeus among many other relics. The spear is now on display in the Etchmiadzin Museum, the main building built in 1215. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Monastery complex Noravank, founded in the X century. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Akhtala Monastery was founded in the 10th century as one of the defensive fortresses of the rulers of the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom of the Kyurikids.
Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
The main temple of the Akhtala monastery. Akhtala's frescoes are part of the Byzantine art of the Komnenian period. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Akhtala monastery. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Makaravank Monastery, X-XIII centuries Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
Noravank Monastery, XII-XIV centuries
Oromayr monastery churches. Built in 1206 by the bricklayer Grigor at the request of the abbot of the monastery Samvela. Photo by Pavel Kosenko.
St. Stepanos Monastery
The monastic complex Hayravank was founded in the 9th century.
"Church of St. Astvatsatsin Zorats XII-XIII centuries.
Armenian Church of the Holy Cross (Akhtamar Island, Turkey)
Jermuk - St. Gayane Temple
Jermuk waterfall
Shaki waterfall
Armenia
Duduk - the voice of the soul of Armenia
Jivan Gasparyan - Hey Jan, hey Jan
Armenian Church of the Tomb of Our Lady. Jerusalem.
Hripsime, 618 - Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin)
Province (Marz) Vayk, Noravank XIII century
Lara Fabian, Igor Krutoy and Jivan Gasparyan - Vocalise
Stairs to the second floor of the church. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak.
Temple with three apses, cruciform in plan. It is located in Ashtarak of the 7th century.
Temple of the VII century in Ashtarak
Echmiadzin Cathedral. The main cathedral of Armenia, residence since 303.
Khachkars - this is how the crosses carved on stones are called in Armenia. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak.
Temple on the mountain above Lake Sevan. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak.
Khor Virap temple. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak.
Khor Virap temple - on the border with Turkey. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak.
Noravank is one of the most impressive temples in Armenia. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak.
Noravank is the light in the temple. Photo by Alexander Zheleznyak
It is called an "open air museum" and is considered the first Christian country in the world. The Greeks and Romans left a bright mark on its architecture. Here you can find thousands of religious buildings and ancient artifacts set among the picturesque landscapes. Although Armenia is an Asian country, acquaintance with it is impossible without visiting the magnificent monasteries. Most of them date back thousands of years, and they are located in remote gorges, in the mountains, on peaks, in caves. Some are even partially carved into rock and stone cliffs. There are few tourists here, and the nature around is amazing.
Introducing you a selection of the best sacred places in Armeniamust-see. By the way, we also look here every time we travel around this hospitable country.
Garni temple
The monumental pagan pantheon of the Hellenistic era among the green mountains looks just incredible! It is one of the oldest landmarks in the country. Garni itself, built in the 1st century, was destroyed along with the defensive walls as a result of the strongest earthquake in 1679. In 1949, it was literally pieced together. So what we see now is not a copy, but a reconstruction of the original. Dedicated to Mithra, the Sun deity popular in the Middle East.
Garni was built on the site of a Urartian temple. It repeats the dimensions of the latter (5.05 x 7.98 m) and represents the Greco-Roman peripetos. Nine wide steps lead to the inner sanctuary. An Arabic inscription at the main portal to the prayer hall informs about the capture of the fortress and its transformation into a mosque. The roof is supported by 24 columns: 6 on the front sides and 8 on the sides.
What to see in Garni
In addition to the pantheon itself, there are no less interesting and unique objects antiquities: the eponymous fortress, khachkars, garrison, founding stone, ruins of the churches of St. Zion and Mashtots Hayrapet, summer palace, cuneiform inscription of King Argishti I and royal baths.
Separately, we note the canyon r. Azat is a natural wonder with stunning steep slopes, which seem to be made of giant basalt prisms. The canyon next to the temple is called "Symphony in Stone" and to see it, you just need to go down to the river.
Cost of visit and opening hours
The visit is free on the last Saturday of every month;). The rest of the time the cost is 1200 AMD (about $ 2.5) in the afternoon and 1500 AMD ($ 3.1) in the evening. Guided tour in Russian / English - 2500 AMD (5.2 $).
Schedule:
Tuesday - Friday: 9.00 - 22.00 (May to November) and 9.00 - 17.30 (December to April)
Sunday: 9.00 - 15.00
Closed on Monday.
How to get to Garni
From Yerevan you can get by bus in half an hour and $ 0.5. At the bus station on Gaya Street (behind the Mercedes salon), you should look for routes 266 and 284. There is also a fairly affordable taxi in Armenia and the driver will take you there and back for a reasonable price. But we strongly recommend combining a visit to Garni with the nearby Geghard.
Cave monastery Geghard
No matter how close a person is to religion and religious beliefs, sacred places never cease to amaze and attract attention. Geghard is a striking example of this. He is very loved and visited in Armenia. It is known that Gerard is based on a special land. Even in the pre-Christian period, rituals were held here near sacred springs. One of the sources, by the way, has survived to this day.
Legend has it that the Ayrivank monastery, or Pbitter, founded in the IV century. when Christianity was adopted as the state religion. It received this name due to the fact that at first the monks lived in nearby caves, using them as cells. Although Ayrivank dates back to the 13th century. , the inscriptions found in the area date back to the 1160s. At the end of the 13th century, the Cave Monastery was the most important place of pilgrimage.
But the reason why we now know and appreciate the Cave Monastery is undoubtedly hidden in a single relic that is stored in it.
It was in this place that the legendary Spear of Destiny, or Longinus, was guarded for centuries. The Bible says that the Roman soldier Longinus pierced Jesus with it when he was crucified on the cross. Since the gesture was a manifestation of the highest mercy, powerful positive properties are attributed to the tool. For example, it is believed that the commander who owns it will never be defeated in a war.
In fact, there are two more Spears of Destiny in the world: in Vienna (in the Habsburg Museum) and in the Vatican. All three, together with Armenian, are recognized as original (a certified copy is available in Krakow). Historians have not yet come to a consensus about which of the relics killed Christ, but their value and role in European history are undeniable. For example, Viennese once belonged to Charlemagne and he firmly believed that he was invincible. Later, the young Hitler, who was an extremely superstitious person, spent hours looking at the artifact in the museum window, hoping to take possession of it. He succeeded and the Nazis hid the booty in the Alps. At the end of World War II, American soldiers found a cache, and just two hours later, Hitler committed suicide. Even if we do not know which of the Copies of Fate is real, they all certainly left a bright imprint wherever they visited.
Beautiful architectural ensembles are lined up around the Armenian. Ayrivank was renamed Geghardavank, which means the Monastery of the Spear ( geghard - spear in Armenian). According to legend, a piece of Noah's ark was also kept here. Later, the relics were transported to Echmiadzin, where they can still be seen today.
What to see in Geghard
Cave cellslocated above the main entrance;
home katoghike Church;
Rocky sacristy Gavit with stalactites inside, framing a domed ceiling;
Avazan - a church completely carved into the rock with a sacred spring inside;
Cave church of Our Lady with deep reliefs on the walls;
Chapel of St. George, also completely carved into the rock.
Christian churches in Armenia are distinguished by asceticism. Twilight, silence and ancient stone walls around create a special feeling of tranquility. You should visit such places slowly and thoughtfully.
How to get to Gerard
There are no direct flights from Yerevan. It is necessary to take a minibus to Garni (from the bus station on Gaya St., No. 255 and 266). Exit near the turn to Gerard. From here you can hire a local taxi driver or catch a bus / ride to the nearest village (Gokht village) and then walk (about 4 km). The scenic area will make your walk a pleasure. By the way, there are hikers from Garni to Goght. It is very convenient to visit these attractions in a day. Taxi from the capital through two temples + Havuts Tar (80 km) will cost $ 20-25 but don't forget to bargain! ;)
Monastery complex Havuts Tar
It is located on the left bank of the Azat canyon between Garni and Gerard. It was once considered one of the main religious and cultural centers the middle ages. This formidable monastery in the mountains, surrounded by walls from the 2nd century, is half destroyed.
Havuts Tara can be reached in an hour on foot from the village of Goght.
There are a huge number of abodes of gods in Armenia. Many of them are similar to each other. But each is in such an incredible place that you want to stay there longer and enjoy the moment. On the shores of Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus, there is another ancient monastery - Sevanavank. It consists of two churches and lies on the Sevan peninsula. The architecture of both churches is almost the same - they are made of black stone in the shape of a cross. The entrance is decorated with dozens of khachkarks. Khachkars are stone steles in the form of a cross. They can be found all over the territory of Armenia, but despite their similarity, each has its own style and meaning.
According to an ancient inscription, the monastery on the lake was founded by the Armenian princess Mariam in 874 AD. e. In memory of her husband, Mariam promised to build 30 churches, and Sevanavank was among them.
There are benches near Sevanavank where tourists can enjoy a stunning view of Sevan. In a peaceful atmosphere, you will observe the capricious color of Sevan, which changes depending on the weather and time of day.
It is important to note that Sevanavank's dress code prohibits entry in a swimsuit, short skirt, etc. Legs and shoulders must be properly covered.
How to get to Sevanavank
From Yerevan to Lake Sevan it takes a little over an hour. public transport... The required minibus is number 317. It starts from the Northern Bus Station and will take you to the village near Lake Sevan. From there you will have to take a local driver or hitch a ride. You can rent a car in Yerevan or take a taxi.
This is perhaps the most iconic region for Armenians and for Christianity in general. Historians disagree, but it is most likely that the world's first Christian cathedral was built here. It was built in that legendary era when Armenia adopted Christianity in the 4th century AD. e. According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator had a vision in which Jesus Christ personally indicated the place where the cathedral was to be built, which was then named "The Descent of the Only Begotten". Like all ancient temples, Echmiadzin has undergone a huge number of restorations from a wooden basilica to a monumental stone cathedral. To this day, the monastery complex in Echmiadzin is the residence of the Catholicos. Here are collected the most valuable Christian artifacts of the people: the Spear of Fate, the relics of many saints, a part of the crown of thorns. In addition to the main cathedral, the Etchmiadzin complex contains other ancient temples - Hripsime and Gayane.
The cathedral is active and its door is open to everyone. It is recommended to take a guided tour to understand all the nuances of this world-famous religious center.
How to get to the Etchmiadzin temple
From the capital to the city of Vagharshapat by minibus it takes half an hour. A roundtrip taxi makes it possible to visit Zvartnots at the same time,which is only 5 km from Echmiadzin.
Temple of Vigilant Angels - Zvartnots
Back in 652, the magnificent three-tiered temple of Zvartnots was built on the territory of modern Armenia. Unfortunately, only its ruins have survived to this day, but even they impress with beauty, graceful lines and an incredible mystical atmosphere. At the base of the building there was a circle in which a cross was inscribed. Historians believe that Zvartnots resembled a stepped round pyramid. It is interesting that in such a peculiar geometry the pagan pre-Christian symbolism is displayed. In the 10th century, during an earthquake, Zvartnots was destroyed and remained buried until the 20th century.
Now the first tier has been partially restored and these ruins are under the protection of UNESCO. According to legend, in ancient times, the relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator were kept here.
Many people note the special aura of this place, the stone ruins seem to be something more than just another tourist attraction.
All routes in the direction of Vagharshapat are suitable from the Yerevan bus station. Stop at the gate with an eagle at the top. Entrance and photos in Zvartnots are paid.
Be sure to visit these stunning places filled with history and mysticism. Cave and rock monasteries, majestic temples in the mountains and on the shores of crystal lakes, panoramas of Ararat and genuine hospitality of the inhabitants will make the trip unforgettable. Or join our exciting adventure trekking tours in Armenia and we will show you the very best of this unique country!
How to get to the old Crimea? After all, the past cannot be returned without a time machine. There is an exit! In the mountainous Taurida you find yourself in the Old Crimea. The Armenian monastery will show you the way to a pretty old town. The religious complex is the pride of the Armenian communities of Sudak and it is located between these resorts, if you go along the P-23. Many photos show the beauty of the church.
Where is Surb-Khach located in the Old Crimea?
Old Crimea is located on the territory of the Kirovsky district of the republic - at the foot of the Holy Cross Mountain (Monastyrskaya). The Churuk-Su rivulet runs off from it. At the top of the same wooded hill, the tourist will notice the silhouette of the apostolic church. North of the sacred place, in Kozya Balka, you can also visit.
Monastery on the map of Crimea
The history of the formation of the monastery
In the 13th century, with the permission of the Horde, Armenians came to Taurida from the city of Ani, destroyed by the earthquake. They settled the Mongol-Tatar headquarters on the peninsula - the city of Kyrym (formed on the site of the Byzantine polis Karsan).
The first mentions of the temple erected here date back to the XIV century. Somehow the leader of the community of settlers (Hovhannes Sebastatsi) received a sign: a huge fiery cross. Like all Orthodox Monophysites (always observing this sign), members of the Soldaya diaspora immediately named the monastery Surb-Khach. From the Armenian language it is translated accordingly - "holy cross". They placed their relic on the roof - a cross from the main temple of the city of Ani, built in the 4th century.
This is how the history of the next Church of the Holy Cross began. For a long time it was associated with constant destruction - Genoese, Tatar, Turkish. The fraternal corps was quickly rebuilt. Even more cells appeared. The monastery became a temporary home for all those suffering who were persecuted for Monophysitism and for Christianity in general.
The abovementioned historical monument has been registered with the state in Ukraine since 1963. Today, any vandalism against its buildings is prosecuted under the law of the Russian Federation.
Why is the Armenian monastery interesting for tourists?
The Armenian monastery Surb-Khach is an active male monastery. Accordingly, women are not allowed to enter its new buildings and utility rooms. Only the perfectly preserved remains of the ancient building are open for viewing - the fraternal building (cells), the refectory, the courtyard and fountains.
But the platform in front of the architectural landmark of the Old Crimea is a place where Monophysite Christians of any gender celebrate Vardar in mid-July (the Armenian analogue of the holiday dedicated to Ivan Kupala). 
Near the beautiful portal on the "red" days of the Armenian Apostolic calendar, exhibitions of folk craft masterpieces and even concerts of folk groups are held.
To the sound of a duduk, Armenians from all over the CIS, sometimes from non-CIS countries, gather at the parking lot. Often, the organizers of events near this religious complex are residents of the urban district. At the same time, any guest of the festival, regardless of nationality and religion, can attend every part of the ritual celebration, including dousing.
In memory of visiting Surb-Khach, tourists usually fill a bottle with water, consecrated by the local Catholicos. She escapes along a conduit that runs directly from the wall of the religious building. The entrance to the Armenian monastery in the Old Crimea is decorated with steles with ritual Armenian carving. In the surrounding monastery garden you can see the plan of the entire complex. The music of the divine services can be heard from here.
How to get to Surb-Khach?
Mount Monastyrskaya (Ukrainian name - Grytsa) is a fragment of the northern slope of the Crimean mountains. From other Tauride towns, you can drive to it on the P-29 or P-23 road. Travelers moving from the villages of the Kirovsky district get here along the narrow highway "Privetnoe - Staryi Krym".
Having got off at the bus station of the Old Crimea, they get to the temple in the following way. We must continue to move along the road to the west. Where Lenin Street flows into it, you must turn towards the mountain - go out of the village along the nearest lane (walk 700 m). After crossing the Churuk-Su river, the path will continue on a special road that will take you to the spiritual treasure of the Armenian people. The ascent will take 3.3 km.
By car, you can get to the monastery from Sudak as follows:
To get to the monastery from Feodosia, you need to overcome the following path:
Tourist notes
- Address: Old Crimea, Kirovsky district, Crimea, Russia.
- Coordinates: 45 ° 0'2 "N (45.000459), 35 ° 3'45" E (35.062593).
- Phone: + 7-36555-5-13-50.
The Armenian monastery Surb-Khach is a place of pilgrimage for adherents of the Armenian Apostolic Church from all over the world. But he collected a lot of rather warm reviews on international forums. Their authors are not only Armenians. Many vacationers and history buffs only thanks to this monastery remembered the names of the nearby villages. Note that the main feature of Surb-Khach is a good observation deck (a temple in the "upper reaches" of a deep ravine). From the prevailing height, a view of the entire Old Crimea and some parts of the northern slope of the Tauride Mountains opens up. Photos from here were taken by thousands of visitors. In conclusion, watch a short video about this attraction.