Diocese of Artsakh

The Diocese of Artsakh (Armenian: Արցախի թեմ, romanized: Artsakhi t'em) is one of the largest dioceses of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is named after the historic province of Artsakh; the 10th province of the Kingdom of Armenia. The diocesan headquarters are located on Ghazanchetots street 72, in the town of Shushi. The seat of the bishop is the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral. On 21 January 2022, Vrtanes Abrahamyan was appointed Primate of the Diocese.^[5][6]

History

The diocese was established in 1989. Since its creation, archbishop Pargev Martirosyan (Պարգև արքեպիսկոպոս Մարտիրոսյան) has served as its primate.^[7][8][9]

All churches in Nagorno-Karabakh were closed in the 1930s by the Soviet government. The totalitarian regime was relatively relaxed by Mikhail Gorbachev. A mass movement for the unification of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia started in February 1988.^[10] With Armenian national identity on the rise in the Soviet Union, the Diocese of Artsakh was established in 1989.^[2] The 13th century Gandzasar monastery was the first one to be reopened. It remains the historic center of the Diocese of Artsakh, while the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral is the administrative center of the diocese.^[1]

The construction of the Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Stepanakert was launched on July 19, 2006. The cost of the project is around US$2 million, and the architect of the church is Gagik Yeranosyan.^[11] However, the construction process was slow due to the lack of financial resources. Upon its consecration, it will become the seat of the Diocese of Artsakh.

After the First Nagorno-Karabakh War, renewing the conflict in 2016, and later in 2020, by the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, in 2022, and later in 2023 by the Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, incidents led to various incidents of hatred and use of the force and ethnic cleansing against Armenians and damage, rewriting the history and destruction or conversion of Armenian cultural heritage by Armenian military forces. Churches of the Diocese of Artsakh were often occupied, damaged, or destroyed, or converted to "Caucasus Albanian" churches.^[12] After the war in 2020 there were around 400 holy sites in the area and some of them were desecrated or destroyed when Azerbaijan got the territory.^[13] European commission criticized Azerbaijan's policy of erasing and denying the Armenian cultural heritage and adopted the resolution 2022/2582(RSP).^[14] Conflict in 2023 lead to massive exodus of Armenians from the area.^[13]

Active churches

Here is the list of churches, monasteries, and chapels functioning under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Artsakh, along with their location and year of consecration:^[15]

Churches

• Askeran region^[16]
  • Holy Mother of God church, Askeran City, 2002
  • Holy Mother of God church, Aygestan, 1850
  • St. George church, Astghashen, 1898
  • Holy Mother of God church, Dashushen, 1843
  • St. John the Baptist church, Lusadzor, 19th century
  • St. Stephen church, Khachen, 13th century
  • Holy Mother of God church, Khnatsakh, 19th century
  • Holy Mother of God church, Karmir Gyugh, 1841
  • Holy Mother of God church, Madatashen, 19-20th centuries
  • Holy Mother of God church, Nakhijevanik, 19th century
  • St. Stephen church, Badara/Patara, 19th century
  • St. George church, Sarnakhbyur, 1875
  • "Phirumashen" church, Sarushen, 12-13th century
• Martakert region^[17]
  • Vankasar Church, near Martakert, 7th century
  • Saint John the Baptist Church, Martakert City, 1881
  • St. Anthony church, Zaglik, 2007
  • St. Sarkis church, Harutyunagomer, 2005
  • Saint George's Church, Mets Shen, 2011
  • Church in the settlement of "Mandur", Mehmana, 12-15th centuries
  • Holy Mother of God church, Mehmana, 1229
  • Holy Mother of God church, Nerkin Horatagh, 1904-1914
  • St. George church, Nerkin Oratakh, 2012
  • Holy Mother of God church, Vaghuhas, 2012
  • St. George church, Haterk
  • Holy Mother of God church, Tonashen, 19th century
• Martuni region^[18]
  • Church of St. Nerses the Great, Martuni, 2004
  • Holy Mother of God church, Ashan, 1896
  • Holy Mother of God church, Avdur, 1874
  • Holy Mother of God church, Tsovategh, 19th century
  • "Targmanchants vank" church, Kaghartsi, 19th century
  • Holy Mother of God church, Kolkhozashen, 19th century
  • Holy Mother of God church, Haghorti, 1751
  • St. Gregory church, Chartar City, 19th century
  • St. Vardan church, Chartar City, 2018
  • Holy Mother of God church, Nngi, 1853
  • Holy Mother of God church, Nngi, 1895
  • St. Gregory the Illuminator, Nngi
  • St. John the Baptist church, Norshen, 19th century
  • Holy All-Savior church, Spitakashen, 13th century
• Shahumyan region^[19] - most of churches is on the terriroty occupied by Azerbaijan
  • St. Dadi church, 1178
  • St. Nshan Katoghike church, 1174
  • Domed small church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, 1211-1224
  • Holy Mother of God church, 17th century
• Shushi region^[20]
  • St. Sarkis church, Yeghtsahogh, 2006
  • St. Pantaleon church, Mets Shen, 1658
  • Saint John the Baptist Church (Kanach Zham), Shusha, 1818, not operating, terriroty occupied by Azerbaijan
  • Ghazanchetsots Holy Savior Cathedral, Shusha, 1888, not operating, terriroty occupied by Azerbaijan
• Stepanakert^[21]
  • Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, Stepanakert, 2019
  • Saint Jacob Church, Stepanakert, 2007
• Kashatagh region^[22] - terriroty occupied by Azerbaijan
• Hadrut region^[23] - terriroty occupied by Azerbaijan
  • Holy Resurrection Church, Hadrut, 1621, not operating, terriroty occupied by Azerbaijan
• Other
  • Church of the Holy Ascension, Lachin, 1998
  • Church of the Holy Martyrs, Zabux, 2002
  • Saint George's Church, Aşağı Oratağ, 2012
  • Saint John the Baptist Church, Daşbaşı, 2013

• 
  Holly Resurrection Church, Hadrut, 1621
• 
  Saint John the Baptist Church (Kanach Zham), Shusha, 1818
• 
  Saint John the Baptist Church, Martakert, 1881
• 
  Ghazanchetsots Holy Savior Cathedral, Shusha, 1888

Monasteries

• Amaras Monastery, Sos, 4th-19th centuries
• Tsitsernavank Monastery, Tsitsernavank, 5-6th centuries
• "Metsaranits" monastery, called also "Hakobavank" monastery complex, Qolatak/Kolatak, Martakert region, 7-13th centuries
• Gandzasar monastery complex, Vank, Martakert region, 10-13th centuries
• "Dadivank" monastery complex, Dadivank, Shahumyan region, 12th-13th centuries
• "Shoshkavank" monastery complex, Msmna, Martuni region, 16th century
• "Gyulistani anapat" monastery complex, called also Monastery of the Holy All-Savior church, Tonashen, Martakert region, 17th century

• 
  Amaras Monastery, Sos, 4th century
• 
  Tsitsernavank Monastery, Tsitsernavank, 5-6th centuries
• 
  Gandzasar monastery, Vank, 10-13th centuries

Inactive/ruined churches and monasteries

This is an incomplete list of inactive or ruined churches and monasteries in the territory regulated by the Diocese of Artsakh:

• Katarovank Monastery, Hadrut Region, 4th century
• Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery, Martakert Region, 5th century
• Dadivank Monastery, Shahumyan Region, 9-13th centuries
• Gtichavank Monastery, Togh, 1248
• Monastery of Tsar, Tsar, 1301
• Yerits Mankants Monastery, Martakert Region, 1691

• 
  Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery, Martakert Region, 5th century
• 
  Dadivank Monastery, Shahumyan Region, 9-13th centuries
• 
  Gtichavank Monastery, Togh, 1248
• 
  Yerits Mankants Monastery, Martakert Region, 1691

List of Churches and Monasteries

Below is list of churches, monasteries, and chapels under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Artsakh and their operating status from Askeran,^[16] Hadrut,^[23] Kashatagh,^[22] Martakert,^[17] Martuni,^[18] Shahumyan,^[19] Shushi^[20] regions and Stepanakert.^[21]

Askeran region

Hadrut region

Kashatagh region

Martakert region

Martuni region

Shahumyan region

Shushi region

Stepanakert

Gallery

• 
  Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan

External links

• Churches of Artsakh after independence
• Diocese of Artsakh of the Armenian Apostolic Church at Gandzasar.com

References

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2. Margaryan, Susanna (2 September 2006). "Արցախի թեմը վերաբացումից 17 տարի անց [The Diocese of Artsakh 17 years after re-opening]". Azg (in Armenian). Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
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38. "Surb Gevorg Monastery of Ptkesberk". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
39. "The Aygestan Church of the Holy Resurrection". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
40. "St. Mariam Astvatsatsin Church of Arakel". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
41. "Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Banadzor". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
42. "The Grigor Narekatsi Church". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
43. "Taghaser's Anapat Monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
44. "Kataro Monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
45. "St. Astvatsatsin Church of Khandzadzor". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
46. "The Church of Hartagomer". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
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51. "St. Astvatsatsin Church of Hogher". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
52. "Surb Minas Church of Mariamadzor". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-18.
53. "Markhatun Church". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
54. "St. Amenaprkich Church of Mets Tagher Village". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
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59. "St. Stepanos Church of Pletants". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
60. "St. Astvatsatsin Church of Jraberd (Mulkudara)". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
61. "Kavakavank Monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
62. "Surb Stepanos church of Jrakus". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
63. "The Shakhkakh monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
64. "St. Astvatsatsin Church of Sarinshen". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
65. "Spitak Khach (White Cross) Monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
66. "St. Hripsime Church of Vardashat". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
67. "St. Mesrop Church of Tyak". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
68. "The Fortress of Qtish". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
69. "St. Stepanos, Togh". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
70. "The monastic complex of Gtchavank". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
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72. "St. Hovhannes Church of Tumi village". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
73. "Khuty Dre Vank (Monastery) of Tumi". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
74. "St. Amenaprkich Church of Tzor village". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
75. "St. Hovhannes church of Qaraglukh (Hadrut)". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
76. "The St. Astvatsatsin church of Kyuratagh". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-19.
77. "Surb Hambardzum Church of Berdzor". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
78. "About the Azerbaijani project to convert Berdzor's Surb Hambardzum Church into a mosque". Monument Watch. 2023-06-24. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
79. "The village of Aghavno is a victim of Azerbaijani vandalism". Monument Watch. 2023-04-20. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
80. "The Church of Aghbatkhert". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-20.
81. "Aghbradzor "Mayrejri Vank՛՛ monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
82. "Amutegh". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
83. "The Church of Arakhish". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
84. "Zorakhach Church". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
85. "Katosavank Monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
86. ""Kronk" cave monastery of Tsakhkaberd". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
87. "Tsitsernavank". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
88. "The Church of Tandzatap". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
89. "St. Minas Church of Hak". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
90. "St. Stepanos Church of Harar". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
91. "Saint Gevorg Church of Herik". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
92. "St. Stepanօs Church of Hochants". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
93. "The Church of Tchapkut". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
94. "Church of Vanand (Mazra)". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
95. "St. Astvatsatsin Church of Mirik". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
96. "The Church of Varazgom". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
97. "St. Poghos-Petros Church of Shalva". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
98. "The Church of Janbar". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
99. "The Church of Vakunis". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
100. "Church of Vanand (Mazra)". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
101. "The rock-hewn church of Tandzut". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
102. "The First Church of Stunis". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
103. "The Second Church of Stunis". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-22.
104. "Mknatami Khach Monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
105. "The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Arajadzor". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
106. "The Church of the Holy Savior in Talish". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
107. "The fortress and mansion of the Melik-Beglaryans". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
108. "The Surb Astvatsatsin church of Kichan". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
109. "The "Kichan Anapat" monastery". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
110. "Surb Astvatsatsin church of Haterk". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
111. "The monastery of Mesis". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
112. "St. Yeghisha Church of Mataghis". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2023-12-26.
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114. "You searched for Nor Haykajur". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
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118. "Surb Grigor or the Karmir (Red) Monastery of Berdadzor". Monument Watch. Retrieved 2024-05-25.
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