St. Minas Church :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

St. Minas Church 1830 y․

Georgia / Javakhk / Akhalkalak / Zak

Historical Introduction
1893 y․

In 1893 the Armenians of Zak embarked upon erecting a new church in the site of the older one, but they had to leave their work incomplete due to various obstacles posed by the Government: “...in 1893 we started the construction of a new church, procured the necessary building materials despite our scanty means and laid its foundations. The secular authorities, however, banned us from carrying on our work under the plea that the Government had issued an order making the consent of the Russian Exarch obligatory for it...” After a delay of two years, in 1895 the ruling powers suggested that the Armenians of Zak should give up the idea of building a new church, and ought to confine themselves to that of Trona standing not very far. The latter, however, remained firm in their decision: “...first of all, our village... lies far from Trona not by a verst and a half, but by more than two versts. Besides, it is separated from Trona by a stream which grows extremely abundant in spring-time, overflows the small wooden bridge [lying over it] and hinders movement for many days. Thirdly, it is impossible to perform the rites of baptism, marriage and burial at such a long distance. The expenses we have made so far will prove futile...” Thus, the villagers did not abstain from their intention of building a new church.

Հայաստանի ազգային դիվան, (National Archives of Armenia), ֆ. Պ-56, ց. 18, գ. 289, թ. 2: «Արձագանք», 1885, N 3, էջ 43։ Karapetian. Samvel, Javakhk, Yerevan, 2011, p. 172.

1903 y․

In 1903 the Armenians of Zak again raised the issue of the new church—by this time, their older one had appeared in such a state of disrepair that it ranked among the places devoid of a church altogether.

«Արարատ», 1903, էջ 436: Karapetian. Samvel, Javakhk, Yerevan, 2011, pp. 172-173.

1905 — 1911 yy․

In 1905 the local inhabitants continued their efforts to have the project of the future church ratified. After a long delay, they were finally granted permit to carry on the construction of the sanctuary. Upon its completion, the church was consecrated in a solemn ceremony held on 29 April 1911.

«Արարատ», 1905, էջ 406-407: Հայաստանի ազգային դիվան, (National Archives of Armenia), ֆ. 56, ց. 1, գ. 8949, թ. 1-27; ֆ. 35, ց. 1, գ. 682, թ. 8։ Karapetian. Samvel, Javakhk, Yerevan, 2011, p. 173.

Foundation
1830 — 1880 yy․

St. Minas Church, which was founded in the 1830s, functioned as a parish church until the late 1880s.

Karapetian. Samvel, Javakhk, Yerevan, 2011, p. 172.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the north-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1988 — 1989 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the south-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1988 — 1989 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the north-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1988 — 1989 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the south-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1988 — 1989 yy․