Gndevank
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Script error: No such module "check for unknown parameters".Template:Wikidata image Gndevank (Template:Langx, meaning Round cathedral) is a 10th-century Armenian monastery in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia, along the Vayk-Jermuk road.
Location
The monastery is located on the west side of the Vayk-Jermuk road on the bank of the Arpa river. The old road is blocked by landslides and the monastery is approached by walking about Script error: No such module "convert". from the junction with the old road, after a bridge crossing.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[1] About Script error: No such module "convert". away from the church is the rock known as "Vartan Mamikonian."Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". There is a spring water in the vicinity of the church and a few picnic tables.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[1]
History
The monastery was built in 931-938 AD by Princess Sophia of Syunik. She stated the purpose of her building the monastery as: "Vayots Dzor was a ring without a jewel but I built this monastery as the jewel for the ring".Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Priest Sargis was the first abbot of the church. Priest Yeghishe was entrusted the responsibility for its construction.[1] There is also another version of the etymology of the name, according to which the princess sold her earrings (in old Armenian: գինդ (romanized: gind)) so that they could finish the construction works of the church, and the monastery was named Gndevank for that reason (the monastery of earrings).
In 999 AD it was expanded with a gavit, a narthex or entrance to the church. In subsequent years the monastery was fortified with walls around it, under the orders of Abbot Petros (Peter).Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[1]
The monastery, which was damaged during an earthquake, was refurbished during 1965 and 1969. Further renovations were done during 2013.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". In 1875, several items of religious paraphernalia were found in a secret chamber in the church.[1]
Features
The church, well preserved,[2] is dedicated to St. Stephen. It is built in the form of a cross-dome of four apses, with a circular tambour (inverted bell of the Corinthian capital) over a cupola.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[2] There are four altars in the church.[1] The gavit, added in the western part of the church in subsequent years, is in the shape of barrel; it is vaulted and appears like a tunnel approach to the church.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[2] Abbot Christopher built the vaulted hall with two chambers. Sargis, who succeeded him, ordered the construction of a canal from the Vararakn River for providing a water supply to the church, which is still functional.[1] On the southern and western side of the compound wall, monks' living quarters have been built.Script error: No such module "Footnotes".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Of the surviving wall paintings, one by Yeghishe of Jesus Christ is on the altar wall. Another notable painting in the church is of Mother Mary on the northern annexed wall, which is said to be a masterpiece of the late Middle Ages in Armenia. The surfaces of the pendentives have carved images of the evangelists.[1] The tombstones surrounding the church have carvings of interest, such as a scene of ibex hunting next to a falcon, and the hunting of a boar.
There are khachkars and tombstones of the 10th-16th centuries in the yard of the monastery. Many lithographic inscriptions have been preserved. Also noteworthy is the refectory on the south side of the complex, which is a large hall with a basement, auxiliary rooms and a fireplace.
Gallery
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References
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Bibliography
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External links
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