Haykadzor Lusavorich Church: A Medieval Armenian Apostolic Church
Site at a Glance
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- Armenia
- Primary era
- Medieval
- Eras represented
- Medieval
- Civilizations
- Armenian
- Site type
- Religious
- Remains
- Church
On this page6 sections
History
Construction and Medieval Restoration
Haykadzor Lusavorich Church is an Armenian Apostolic church in Haykadzor, Armenia. It belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church, an ancient Oriental Orthodox church, and the Shirak Diocese, a regional church district.
Built between 980 and 985, the church was initiated by Sargis, a bishop who headed Horomos Monastery, a medieval Armenian monastery. Its construction inscription names Samehan as the architect.
In the early 13th century, the building was reconstructed. Work included repairs to its dome, façade cladding, and roof slabs.
Remains
The church stands on the left bank of the Akhuryan River, at the western edge of Haykadzor. It is a domed-hall building, arranged around a hall covered by a dome, and constructed from dressed reddish tuff, a rock formed from volcanic ash, with lime mortar, a lime-based masonry binder.
Church and Cemetery
Church
A construction inscription is set into the south façade. The east, north, and south façades each have two triangular recessed niches, known as Armenian niches. Sinuous ornamental lines decorate the arched lintel above the entrance, and murals survive on the dome.
Cemetery
An old cemetery extends east of the church. It contains carved cross-stones dating to the 13th century, upright stone monuments bearing carved crosses.
