Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin

Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin church is the second oldest surviving church in Yerevan. It was previously known as Surp Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). However, the name Zoravor (meaning Powerful) was added because the church was home to the 13th century bible of Zoravor. Present-day Surp Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church was built in 1693-94, on the same site of the ruined monastery, thanks to the donation of Khoja Panos who was one of the wealthiest residents of Yerevan. According to an inscription recorded 100 years after its construction, the church was renovated by Gabriel Haryurapet during the reign of Catholicos Luke I.In 1889, the Saint Ananias’ Chapel was constructed on the northeastern side of the church, with stairs leading to the graveyard of Saint Ananias on its eastern flank.After serving for different purposes throughout the years of the Soviet rule, Surp Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church was finally returned to the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church during the 1970s, when it was entirely renovated. The decayed and falling parts of the walls and roofs were repaired and restored, a choir was added, and a new house was built for the priests. Saint Ananias’ Chapel was also renovated.

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