Cathedral of Avan

Cultural heritage monument of Armenia

Cathedral of Avan

Ավանի կաթողիկե

The intact western facade

Religion
Affiliation| Armenian Apostolic Church
Location
Location| Avan District, Yerevan, Armenia

Shown within Armenia

Geographic coordinates| 40°12′54″N 44°34′19″E﻿ / ﻿40.215048°N 44.571965°E﻿ / 40.215048; 44.571965
Architecture
Type| Radiating (Hripsime); Inner octagon with cylindrical niches
Style| Armenian
Completed| 6th century
Dome(s)| Thought to have had 5 (a single larger dome in the center, and 4 cupolas at each corner).

The Cathedral of Avan (Armenian: Ավանի կաթողիկե, romanized: Avani kat′oghike) is a ruined late 6th-century church located in the Avan District of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. It is the oldest surviving church inside Yerevan's city limits.

## History

[edit]

The church was built by Todosak in the late 6th century, between the years 591 and 602. The construction began soon after the conclusion of the long Byzantine–Sasanian War of 572–591, that resulted in expansion of direct Byzantine rule over all western regions of Armenia, as far as Avan. In order to strengthen political control over newly conquered regions, emperor Maurice (r. 582–602) decided to support the pro-Chalcedonian fraction of the Armenian Church. In 593, a regional council of western Armenian bishops was convened in Theodosiopolis, which proclaimed allegiance to the Chalcedonian Definition. The council elected John (Yovhannes, or Hovhannes) of Bagaran, as new Catholicos of Chalcedonian Armenians. Since the headquarters of his rival, the pro-Persian Catholicos Moses II (574–604) was located in Dvin, the newly elected pro-Byzantine Catholicos John decided to place his headquarters in Byzantine-controlled Avan.[1]

The new complex in Avan included the cathedral and several other buildings. Adjacent to the church on the north side are the foundations of the palatial residence of the Catholicos, thought to have been constructed before the church around the years 581–582. According to the 7th-century Armenian historian Sebeos, both structures were built under the Catholicos's supervision. The church is believed to have been dedicated to the Apostles. In the year 602, the Persian King Khosrov II seized Avan and, having abolished the Catholicosate of Avan, transformed the complex into a monastery.

## Architecture

[edit]

The cathedral, which would later be renamed Surb Hovhannes, was constructed upon the site of previous structures. Numerous ornamented stones found during excavations predominantly on the western side of the building confirm this notion. The remains of the structure sit on a two-stepped platform, while the church's vaults, domes, and roof are missing as well as portions of the upper walls. Architectural historian Toros Toramanian believed that the current roofless church once had five domes: a single larger dome in the center and four smaller cupolas over each corner of the church, above the circular corner chambers. If correct, Avan would be the first such example of a church with five cupolas. The church is quatrefoil in plan, with an octagonal central bay originally with a dome above. There are four semi-circular apses, and four three-quarter circle diagonal niches leading to circular chambers in the corners of the church. The circular shape of the side-chapels gives the church its unique design.

The front (west) façade has lengthy inscriptions on either side of the entry upon the top third of the building, and also on the lintel above the front door there is a short inscription. The name 'Yohan' can be found written within one of the inscriptions, possibly as an earlier style of the name of Hovhannes, but thought not to be of any reference to the Catholicos. A low arched doorway leads into the church from the western wall and is surrounded by an ornamented casing, three-quartered pillars, topped with capitals and lunettes. A vishap stone was used in the interior as the lintel above the main portal. At the north wall is another doorway thought to have been constructed at a later time, after the church was built, to lead to the palace of the Catholicos. Aside from the reasons previously mentioned, the church of S. Hovhannes is important architecturally because it is thought to have been a prototype of Saint Hripsime Church completed later in the year 618. Conservation work was done to the church in 1940-1941, and again in 1956-1966, and 1968.

## Gallery

[edit]

* An aerial view

*   *   * The decorated portal

* Inscriptions

*   * Inscriptions found upon the western exterior façade of the church (left of the door).

* Inscriptions found upon the western exterior façade of the church (right of the door).

* Interior remnants

* Bilingual Armenian-Greek inscription now kept at the History Museum of Armenia[2]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Meyendorff 1989, p. 108-109, 284, 343.
2. ^ Maranci, Christina (2001). "Byzantium through Armenian Eyes: Cultural Appropriation and the Church of Zuart'noc'". Gesta. 40 (2): 105–124\. doi:10.2307/767241. ISSN 0016-920X.

## Sources

[edit]

* Kiesling, Brady (June 2000). Rediscovering Armenia: An Archaeological/Touristic Gazetteer and Map Set for the Historical Monuments of Armenia (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 November 2021.
* Kiesling, Brady (2005), Rediscovering Armenia: Guide, Yerevan, Armenia: Matit Graphic Design Studio
* Meyendorff, John (1989). Imperial Unity and Christian Divisions: The Church 450-680 A.D. The Church in history. Vol. 2\. Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press. ISBN 978-0-88141-056-3.
* Ostrogorsky, George (1956). History of the Byzantine State. Oxford: Basil Blackwell.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tsiranavor church of Avan.

* Armenian Architectural Studies: Avan Church. Archived 21 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine
* Armeniapedia.org: Avan Church.

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Ancient, medieval, and historical Armenian churches and monasteries

Armenia|

Aragatsotn

* Arshakid Mausoleum
* Aruchavank
* Astvatsankal
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* Garnahovit
* Hovhannavank
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Ararat

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Armavir

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Gegharkunik

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Kotayk

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* Yeghvard (St. Mary)

Lori

* Monastery
* Bardzrakash
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Shirak

* Gyumri (St. Mary, Holy Saviour)
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Syunik

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Tavush

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Vayots Dzor

* Areni
* Gndevank
* Noravank
* Spitakavor
* Tanahat
* Tsakhats Kar

Yerevan

* Avan (Tsiranavor)
* Kanaker (St. James)
* Yerevan (Gethsemane, Katoghike, St. Gregory, St. John, St. Paul and Peter, Zoravor)

Azerbaijan (List)|

* Agulis (St. Thomas)
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Georgia (List)|

* Tbilisi (Vank, Bethlehem, Chugureti, Ejmiatsnetsots, St. George, St. Gregory, Jigrasheni Avetyats, Kamoyants, Karapet, Karapi, Karmir Avetaran, Geghardavank, Mughni, Norashen, Holy Sign, St. Sarkis, St. Stephen, Zrkinyants)
* Tskhinvali

Turkey (List)|

* Adana (St. Mary)
* Agarak
* Aghperig
* Aghtamar
* Akner
* Bagnayr
* Akori
* Ani (Cathedral, Tigran Honents, Kizkale, Holy Apostles)
* Aparank
* Arakelots Vank
* Arapgir
* Arkakaghni
* Arter
* Bana
* Barthoghimevos Vank
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* Drazark
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* Gaziantep
* Goms
* Hogots
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* Ishkhan
* Kanzak
* Karapet Vank
* Karmravank
* Kars (Cathedral, St. Mary)
* Kes
* Khtzkonk
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* Mush (St. Marine, Holy Sign)
* Narekavank
* Por
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* Trebizond
* Varagavank
* Varzahan
* Yeghegnamor
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* Yerazgavors

Iran (List)|

* Thadei Vank
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* Hovi
* Darashamb
* Haftvan
* Khoy
* Mahlezan
* Tabriz (St. Mary, St. Sarkis, Mariam)
* Mujumbar
* Sohrol
* Sarnaq
* Nor Jugha (Vank, St. Mary, St. George, St. Stephen, St. John, St. Catherine, Bethlehem, St. Nicholas, St. Gregory, St. Sarkis, St. Minas, St. Nerses)
* Tehran (St. Thaddeus, St. George)

Jerusalem (Palestine/Israel)|

* Armenian Quarter
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* Chapel of St. Helena

Rest of Asia|

Syria

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Rest of Europe|

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* Holy Cross
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Ukraine

* Lviv (St. Mary)

Russia

* Nor Nakhichevan (Holy Cross)
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Romania

* Zamca

Italy

* San Lazzaro degli Armeni

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Yerevan landmarks

Historical sites and
notable landmarks|

* Shengavit archaeological site
* Erebuni Fortress
* Teishebaini archaeological site
* Tsiranavor Church of Avan
* Katoghike Church
* Red Bridge
* Zoravor Church
* Saint John the Baptist Church
* Blue Mosque
* Mordechai Navi Synagogue
* Saint Sarkis Cathedral
* Holy Mother of God Russian Church
* Saint Gregory Cathedral
* Yerevan Ararat Brandy Factory
* Yerevan Brandy Factory
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Entertainment
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* Grand Hotel Yerevan
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* Rossia Mall

Culture and art|

* National Library
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* H. Ghaplanyan Drama Theatre
* Komitas Chamber Music House
* Moscow Cinema
* Nairi Cinema
* Yerevan Circus
* National Gallery of Armenia
* Yerevan Vernissage
* National Centre for Aesthetics

Museums|

* History Museum of Armenia
* Charents Museum of Literature
* Yerevan History Museum
* Matenadaran
* Erebuni Museum
* Modern Art Museum
* House-Museum of A. Khachaturian
* Silva Kaputikyan House-Museum
* Yeghishe Charents House-Museum
* Sergei Parajanov Museum
* Ara Sargsyan and Hakob Kojoyan Museum
* Near East Art Museum
* Cafesjian Museum of Art
* ARF History Museum
* Aznavour Centre
* Komitas Museum
* Armenian Railways Museum
* Geological Museum

Education|

* Yerevan State University
* National University of Architecture and Construction
* State Medical University
* State Pedagogical University
* Komitas State Conservatory
* National Agrarian University
* National Polytechnic University
* Brusov State University of Languages
* State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography
* Institute of Physical Culture and Sport
* State Academy of Fine Arts
* State University of Economics
* Crisis Management State Academy
* Haybusak University
* American University of Armenia
* French University in Armenia
* Russian-Armenian University
* Vazgen Sargsyan Military University
* PhysMath School
* Mkhitar Sebastatsi School
* Anatole France French School
* QSI School
* Avedisian School
* Ayb School
* Chinese-Armenian Friendship School
* European University of Armenia
* Eurasia International University

Science
and technology|

* Yerevan Physics Institute
* National Academy of Sciences
* Institute of Mathematics of National Academy
* Yerevan Computer Research Institute
* CANDLE Synchrotron Institute
* Tumo Center for Technologies

Sport|

* Vazgen Sargsyan Rep. Stadium
* Hrazdan Stadium
* Yerevan Football Academy
* Tigran Petrosian Chess House
* H. Hayrapetyan Equestrian Centre
* Karen Demirchyan Complex
* Yerevan Velodrome
* Yerevan Figure Skating and Hockey Sports School

Transportation|

* Yerevan railway station
* Trolleybuses in Yerevan
* Erebuni Airport
* Zvartnots International Airport
* Yerevan Underground

Squares, streets
and bridges|

* Republic Square
* Freedom Square
* Garegin Nzhdeh Square
* Charles Aznavour Square
* Aram Street
* Abovyan Street
* Mashtots Avenue
* Sayat-Nova Avenue
* Baghramyan Avenue
* Tamanyan Street
* Komitas Avenue
* Liberty Avenue
* Northern Avenue
* Victory Bridge
* Hrazdan Gorge Aqueduct
* Great Bridge of Hrazdan
* Davtashen Bridge

Government|

* President's Residence
* Government House
* National Assembly Building
* National Security Service
* Yerevan City Hall
* Constitutional Court
* Police of Armenia
* Prosecutor General
* Central Bank of Armenia
* Court of Cassation

Precincts|

* Ajapnyak
* Arabkir
* Avan
* Davtashen
* Erebuni
* Kanaker-Zeytun
* Kentron
* Malatia-Sebastia
* Nork-Marash
* Nor Nork
* Nubarashen
* Shengavit

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