Sourb Astvatzatzin Church :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Sourb Astvatzatzin Church

Azerbaijan / Northern Artsakh / Khanlar / Getashen

Location

Getashen’s parish church of Sourb Astvatzatzin stands on the south-facing skirts of a nearby gorge, in the centre of the village’s old quarter.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 365.

Historical Introduction
17 c․

The exact date of its foundation is unknown, but its composition and building peculiarities suggest that an older church stood in its site as early as the 17th century.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 365.

19 c․

In the ‘30s of the 19th century, the latter was in an emergency condition: “...a large church located here has totally fallen apart...”

Jalaliants, S. A Travel to Great Armenia, part 1, Tpghis, 1842, p. 172.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 365.

Repairs
1883 y․

In 1883 the new church was completed, its consecration being held on 23 November: “...on the 23rd of the previous month, vicar of Gandzak Archimandrite Anania visited the village, blessed the altar stone of the church, conducted divine service there and returned to Gandzak.” Several years later, the newly-erected church was described in the following manner, “...Sourb Astvatzatzin represents a splendid edifice resting on six pillars and entirely built of finely-finished madder stone... inside, it has a spring boasting tasty water. The monument, which seems to have been repaired, is bare of any inscriptions...”

“Meghu Hayastani,” 1883, No. 121.
Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh. Baku, 1895, p. 258.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 365.

A short time later, another visitor wrote, “...it has recently undergone renovation, during which the workers destroyed its spring running from the northern wall into a quadrangular basin built in its centre.”

Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District. In: “Azgagrakan Handes,” vol. 5, Tiflis, 1899, No. 1, p. 110.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 365.

1903 y․

In 1903 the sanctuary was in bad need of overhaul: “The village church is on the verge of collapse, but it is absolutely neglected. Rainwater pours right over the priest, and still, there is nobody to attend to the problem...” In the same year, Getashen Armenians embarked on the repairs of the monument: “...the issue of the renovation of our church was discussed and an architect worked out a project for it through the same rural dean’s efforts...”

“Nor-Dar,” 1903, No. 51, p. 2; No. 91, p. 2.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 365.

Architectural Description

Sourb Astvatzatzin Church represents a tri-nave vaulted structure (exterior dimensions: 22.05 x 14.20 metres), with a double-storey vestry on both sides of the bema. Its only entrance opens from the southern facade. Some window frames set outwardly in its eastern facade obviously belonged to the older church. The walls of the sanctuary bear several khachkars and tombstones some of which are inscribed.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 366.

A sundial is preserved near the eastern corner of the southern facade of the sanctuary.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 368.

Priests
1896 — 1910 yy․

Sargis Ter-Sahakian Arkeriants served Sourb Astvatzatzin Church of Getashen from the day of his ordination (3 September 1896) till at least 1910.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, p. 54.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 370.

1897 — 1922 yy․

Ghevond Nersissian Ter-Israyeliants was ordained on 2 May 1897 and performed priestly duties until at least 1922.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, p. 55. Also see fund 57, list 3, file 375, p. 3.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 370.

1908 — 1910 yy․

Between 1908 and 1910, Fathers Sargis and Ghevond served the local community together with Mesrop Ter-Grigoriants.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 458, list 1, file 184, p. 7. Also see fund 53, list 1, file 817, p. 6.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 370.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation

Incised into a capital-shaped stone lying in the bema:
On the 20th of April, I made some donation to this holy church in [perpetuity of] my memory. Simon Mahtesiants from Manish.
Note: ‘Manish’ is Manashid Village in Shahumian District.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 367.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1814 y․

Carved around a cross relief decorating the outer part of the southern wall of the church:
...spouse... 1814.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 368.

Type Photo
View Partial view
Direction From the south-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
View Partial view
Direction From the east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
View Partial view
Direction From the south-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․