NORVARAGAVANK MONASTERY

It consists of a church, a narthex and two small chapels. In 1224, the construction of the church of St. Mother of God was undertaken by order of Vasak, son of Prince David, and under the direction of Bishop Hovannés. The church, consecrated in 1240, became famous because of the arrival of Father Lukas, superior of the Varag monastery in Vaspourakan (Lake Van in Turkey today), who took refuge in 1231 in this hermitage where he kept the Holy Cross of Varag safe. Hence the name "New Varag Monastery".