St. Zoravor church

St. Zoravor Church is one of the oldest surviving churches in Yerevan. Originally, it was dedicated to St. Astvatsatsin (the Holy Mother of God). The church was built in the historic Shahar district of old Yerevan, on a site that once housed the tomb-chapel of St. Anania and a monastic complex consisting of a church, a chapel, and monastic residences. The complex was completely restored between 1632 and 1635, but it was later destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1679, which ruined many buildings throughout the region. The present St. Zoravor Church was constructed in 1693 on the same site using bright red tuff stone, a material typical of Armenian architecture. The interior of the church is simple and austere, reflecting the traditional style of Armenian ecclesiastical buildings. Several 17th-century khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) are embedded in the outer walls of the church. The vestibules are crowned with small domed belfries, where bells once called the faithful to prayer. In 1889, a new Chapel of St. Anania was added to the northwest of the church. During the 1970s, with the support of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the church underwent a major restoration. The deteriorated walls were reinforced, the roof was rebuilt, and the choir gallery was reconstructed, helping preserve this historic monument for future generations. Today, St. Zoravor Church remains an important spiritual and historical landmark in the heart of Yerevan.