Surp Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church

Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church Զորավոր Սուրբ Աստվածածին եկեղեցի
Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church
Shown within Armenia
Basic information
Location	in a courtyard north of Pushkin and Ghazar Parpetsi Streets, Kentron Yerevan, Armenia
Geographic coordinates	40°11′10″N 44°30′35″E / 40.186079°N 44.509606°E / 40.186079; 44.509606Coordinates: 40°11′10″N 44°30′35″E / 40.186079°N 44.509606°E / 40.186079; 44.509606
Affiliation	Armenian Apostolic Church
District	Kentron District
Territory	Armenia
Region	Yerevan
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Church
Status	Active
Website	Official website
Architectural description
Architectural type	Three-nave basilica without dome
Architectural style	Armenian
Completed	1694

Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church (Armenian: Զորավոր Սուրբ Աստվածածին եկեղեցի (Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin yekeghets'i)) is the 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.

The church is located in the Shahar District of Old Yerevan where the tomb and the Chapel of Ananias the Apostle were previously located. This chapel was looked upon as a famous sanctuary.

During the 1st half of the 17th century, monk Movses Syunetsi built a monastery complex with the financial support of the residents of Yerevan. The complex was made up of the Surp Astvatsatsin church, the chapel of Saint Anania, as well as of chambers for the members of the congregation and the prelacy building, all enclosed with fortified walls. A monastic school was opened within the complex as well. The construction of the monastery took place during the reign of Philip I of Armenia (Pilipos), the Catholicos (1632–1635). However, the newly built monastery did not last long. It was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1679.

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.

The church is of three-nave basilica type without dome. On the eastern side of the prayer hall is the main altar with vestries at the northern and southern corners. Architecturally, the interior and exterior features of the church are characterized by a striking simplicity. To a certain extent the three-vaulted porch in the western part of the church with decorative columns provides a substantial liveliness. On the flat parts of the external walls, there are beautifully carved khachkars (cross-stones) dating back to the 17th century.

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.