Aghjots Vank
Aghjots Vank, also known as the Saint Stephen Monastery of Goght, is a 13th-century monastic complex located in Armenia's Khosrov State Reserve. While local folklore attributes its founding to Saint Grigor Lusavorich on the site of a martyrdom, historical evidence points to significant construction commissioned by Prince Grigor Khaghbakian and his wife Princess Zaz in 1217. The monastery, comprising the churches of Surp Stepanos and Saints Paul and Peter, has endured numerous destructions and restorations throughout its history, most notably by the Persians in 1603 and in the earthquake of 1679, and now lies in ruins.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the early 13th century, with significant commissions in 1217.
- ›Consists of the main Surp Stepanos (Saint Stephen) church and the church of Saints Paul and Peter.
- ›Features bas-relief carvings of Saints Peter and Paul on the latter church.
- ›Suffered major destruction in 1603, 1679, and during the 1905-1906 massacres.
- ›Located within the Khosrov State Reserve in Armenia's Ararat Province.
- ›Includes khatchkars dating from the 12th to 17th centuries and a 7th-17th century cemetery.
Armenian
Bas-Relief Carvings of Saints Peter and Paul, Khatchkars, Cemetery, Cruciform Plan Church
Saint Stephen Monastery of Goght, գողթի սուրբ ստեփանոս վանք
Grigor Lusavorich, Stepanos, Hripsime, Gayané, Grigor Khaghbakian, Princess Zaz, Ivane Zakarian, Vasak
- Sacked By the Persians In 1603
- Destroyed In the Earthquake of 1679
- Despoiled Again In the 18th Century
- Permanently Ruined During the Armenian–Tatar Massacres of 1905–1906
About Aghjots Vank
Aghjots Vank, also known by its Armenian name the Saint Stephen Monastery of Goght (Գողթի Սուրբ Ստեփանոս վանք), is a significant monastic complex located in the Ararat Province of Armenia. Situated within the Khosrov State Reserve, its picturesque setting along a tributary of the Azat River enhances its historical and natural appeal. While local tradition links its origins to Saint Grigor Lusavorich and the martyrdom of Stepanos (Stephen), a companion to Saint Hripsime during Armenia's early Christian era, historical records point to substantial construction and patronage in the 13th century.
History and Construction
The monastery's current form largely dates to the early 13th century, with significant commissions by Prince Grigor Khaghbakian and his wife Princess Zaz in 1217. Further development was supported by figures like Ivane Zakarian. The complex originally comprised the main church of Surp Stepanos (Saint Stephen), the church of Saints Paul and Peter, and an adjacent gavit (narthex). The church of Saints Paul and Peter, built in 1270, is particularly noted for its remarkable bas-relief carvings of the two apostles flanking its portal. The gavit, added in the latter half of the 13th century, has since partially collapsed down the hillside.
Historical Trials and Current State
Aghjots Vank has endured a tumultuous history, marked by periods of destruction and restoration. It was sacked by the Persians in 1603 and subsequently restored. A devastating earthquake in 1679, which also impacted the nearby Havuts Tar monastery and Garni temple, further damaged the complex. The monastery faced additional despoliation in the 18th century and was permanently ruined during the Armenian–Tatar massacres of 1905–1906. Today, Aghjots Vank stands as a ruin within the protected Khosrov State Reserve. The site still bears numerous inscriptions, and khatchkars (cross-stones) dating from the 12th to 17th centuries are visible, some integrated into the surviving structures. A cemetery from the 7th to 17th centuries is also located nearby. The monastery has been included in the watch list of the World Monument Fund.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Aghjots Vank founded?
While local folklore suggests a founding by Grigor Lusavorich during Armenia's conversion to Christianity in 301 AD, historical evidence indicates that the majority of the monastery was commissioned in 1217 by Prince Grigor Khaghbakian and Princess Zaz. The exact founding date of the monastery itself is unknown.
What are the main structures at Aghjots Vank?
The monastic complex of Aghjots Vank primarily consists of the church of Surp Stepanos (Saint Stephen), which is the main church, and the church of Saints Paul and Peter. An adjacent gavit (narthex) was also part of the complex.
What is the historical significance of Aghjots Vank?
Aghjots Vank holds historical significance as a 13th-century monastic site that played a role in the region's religious history. It has been subject to numerous historical events, including sacks by Persians and destruction by earthquakes and massacres, reflecting the turbulent history of the region.
What is the current condition of Aghjots Vank?
Aghjots Vank is currently in ruins. It has suffered significant damage throughout its history from invasions, natural disasters like earthquakes, and massacres, with its permanent ruin occurring during the Armenian–Tatar massacres of 1905–1906.
Where is Aghjots Vank located?
Aghjots Vank is situated along a tributary of the Azat River Valley within the Khosrov State Reserve in the Ararat Province of Armenia. It is located a short walk from the hamlet of Mets Gilanlar and near the villages of Goght and Garni.
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