Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi
Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi is a significant monastic complex located near Ushi village in Armenia's Aragatsotn Province. It served as a center for spiritual education and is a well-known pilgrimage site, featuring examples of early Armenian architecture. Despite suffering damage from earthquakes, it has undergone restoration and archaeological excavation, preserving its historical and religious importance.
Key Facts
- ›Monastic complex measures 45 by 54 meters.
- ›Features a 10th-century Saint Sarkis Chapel.
- ›Includes an 11th-12th century Surp Astvatsatsin Church and adjacent gavit.
- ›A fortification wall with circular towers was added in 1654.
- ›Suffered ruinous damage from earthquakes in 1679 and 1827.
- ›Remains of an Iron Age fortress are located on a nearby hill.
Armenian
Saint Sarkis Chapel, Surp Astvatsatsin Church, Gavit, Fortification Wall With Circular Towers, Remains of An Iron Age Fortress Nearby
Surp Sarkis Vank, Ushi Vank
Saint Sarkis, Saint Mesrop, Abraham Kretatsi, Catholicos Abraham Ii, Hakobyan, Isak Pasha, Ashichal Bek, Archbishop Shahen Ajemian, Frina Babayan
- Visit By Abraham Kretatsi In September 1734
- Earthquakes of 1679 and 1827 Causing Ruinous Damage
About Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi
Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi, also known as Surp Sarkis Vank or Ushi Vank, is a substantial monastic complex located just outside the village of Ushi in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Its historical significance is underscored by its role as a prominent pilgrimage site and a former center for spiritual education in Armenia. The complex showcases a variety of Armenian architectural styles from different historical periods.
History and Architecture
The monastery's structures include the 10th-century Saint Sarkis Chapel, the Surp Astvatsatsin Church (Church of the Holy Mother of God) with an adjacent gavit from the 11th-12th centuries, along with a refectory, guest-chamber, and monastic housing. A significant defensive feature, a fortification wall with two-storey circular towers, was constructed in 1654, surrounding the monastic grounds. The monastery has endured considerable damage from natural disasters, notably suffering ruinous damage during earthquakes in 1679 and 1827. Remarkably, the single-nave vaulted chapel, which houses the grave of Saint Sarkis, was the only structure to remain standing after these seismic events. Saint Sarkis's remains were moved to this site in the 5th century from the town of Namyan by a delegation led by Saint Mesrop.
Restoration and Excavation
In recent times, the monastery has undergone efforts to preserve its heritage. Restoration work on the Saint Sarkis Chapel was conducted between December 2003 and spring 2004. Archaeological excavations have also commenced, supported by Archbishop Shahen Ajemian and led by Frina Babayan. These excavations aim to clear collapsed structures and reconstruct parts of the damaged church and gavit. Evidence of earlier human activity is found nearby in the form of remains of an Iron Age fortress on a nearby hill.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi founded?
The complex includes structures dating back to the 10th century, such as the Saint Sarkis Chapel. The Surp Astvatsatsin Church and its adjacent gavit date to the 11th-12th centuries. A fortification wall was added in 1654.
What significant events have affected the monastery?
The monastery was heavily damaged and reduced to ruins by earthquakes in 1679 and 1827. Despite this, the single-nave vaulted chapel housing Saint Sarkis's grave remained standing.
What is the architectural style of Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi?
The monastery showcases examples of early Armenian architecture from various periods. It includes a 10th-century chapel, an 11th-12th century church and gavit, and a 17th-century fortification wall with circular towers.
Is Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi still active?
The monastery is a well-known pilgrimage site, and recent archaeological excavations have been taking place. While the text does not explicitly state if an active monastic community resides there, its ongoing preservation and study suggest continued importance.
What is notable about the burial of Saint Sarkis?
Saint Sarkis was originally buried in Namyan, but in the 5th century, his remains were moved by a delegation led by Saint Mesrop and interred at the site of the current monastery's chapel.
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