Armenia to restore 5th-century church built on ancient pagan sanctuary

Church of St. Stepanos at the Yeritsvank monastery complex during archaeological excavations. Photo: Armenpress

On August 30, 2026, it was reported that Armenia is preparing to restore the Church of St. Stepanos, part of the ancient Yeritsvank monastery complex. Archaeological excavations were carried out at the church site before restoration work began, Armenpress reports.

According to tradition, the monastery was founded in the 5th or early 6th century. Research has shown that the Christian church was built on the site of an older pagan sanctuary. An early Christian church was later erected on its foundations and became the core of the monastery complex.

Archaeologists also found that in the 10th–11th centuries the monastery was surrounded by double defensive walls and effectively functioned as a fortress. In the 12th–13th centuries, a two-story funerary chapel was built next to the church, remains of which have survived to this day.

Specialists are continuing to study artifacts uncovered during the excavations and are preparing a restoration project for the main church. Restoration of the complex’s smaller church is also expected to begin soon. The authorities hope to preserve one of the region’s oldest Christian monuments.

As the UOJ previously reported, archaeologists discovered a thousand-year-old cross in a burial linked to Rurik’s retinue.

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