St. Vardan the Commander Church :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

St. Vardan the Commander Church

Azerbaijan / Northern Artsakh / Dashkesan / Hartshangist

Description
1891 y․

The major overhaul implemented in Matznaberd in 1891 changed it beyond recognition. With this regard, a record handed down by a visitor who saw it before its restoration is of immense significance: “…there is a small stone church with its roof destroyed. At Easter and other festivals, believers come in this grave reposes on pilgrimage.”

“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 21, p. 307.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 164.

1890 y․

Bishop Makar, who visited the monument early in the 1890s, writes, “…A small church, resting on two iron vaults, stands in the site of the former monastery.”

Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh. Baku, 1895, p. 293.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 164.

Repairs
1891 y․

The semi-ruined church, which survived in that state until 1891, had been repaired earlier in 1631, this being attested by an inscription which was, fortunately, deciphered before the reconstruction of the monastery:

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 164.

Historical Introduction
1892 y․

The church was to be consecrated as soon as its restoration was completed in 1892: “Mr. Soghomon Nalchakariants from Gandzak has sponsored the reconstruction of the pilgrimage site of Matznaberd known by the name of St. Vardanants Zoravarats and located near Chovdar. The spiritual authorities are now expected to grant permission to consecrate the finely-rebuilt sanctuary during the feast of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin celebrated on 16 August. The church authorities of Gandzak have already applied to the appropriate bodies for that purpose.”

“Nor-Dar,” 1892, No. 126, p. 2.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 164.

Architectural Description

St. Sargis represents a single-nave basilica (exterior dimensions: 12.07 x 6.75 metres), with its vault lying below a gable roof and supported by false arches resting on the two pairs of pilasters of the longitudinal walls of the prayer hall. Its only entrance that is enframed in an arch opens in the west. Light penetrates into the sanctuary through four rectangular windows (their upper parts are shaped like a vault) opening from its northern (later closed) and southern walls, and two narrower ones, each opening from its eastern and western walls (the latter has a circular opening). The monument is built of rough stone and mortar, but its cornerstones, borderstones, pilasters and false arches are finely-cut. The northern wall retains a font.
The western pediment of the church bears a small, four-pillar belfry entirely built of finely-dressed stone and ending in a broach.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 164.

Historical Introduction

Both the outer and inner walls of the sanctuary bear inscribed cross-stones.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 165.

Type Measurement
View Non-Specified
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch
Date 1980 y․

The plan of the church of Matznaberd Monastery

Type Photo
View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1986 y․

Name	Year/Century	Etymology
St. Sargis