ARMENIA, 07/2006
Our very first trip to Armenia was both enlightening and sentimental.
We spent a week in Armenia and it was not enough to appreciate the history and the culture. Here is a selection from the hundreds of pictures taken during our visit.
YEREVAN KECHARIS SEVAN EDJMIADZIN GARNI GEGHARD HAGHARTSIN
Yerevan - the capital - seems to be a city of contrasts. Abject poverty and unabashed flaunting of questionable wealth. In between both, Armenians with their never ending endurance seem to enjoy what is available. We too enjoyed every minute of our stay.
The Monastery of Kecharis - Restored during 1997-2000 the original monastery complex dates back to the 11th century . It was developed by Grigor Maristros Pahlavooni. it includes the churches of: St. Harootyoon, St. Neshan, Kathoghigheand St. Krikor Loosavoreech
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Lake Sevan - It is the largest body of water in landlocked Armenia. The Monastery of Sevan was built in the 9th century.
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Edjmiadzin - The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the worldwide Armenian Church
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Garni - A Roman temple spared, despite the Armenian fervor to build churches
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Geghard Monastery - Originally founded by St Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century replacing a pagan shrine it was destroyed by Arabs in the 10th century and then the Seljuk's in the 12th century. The Holy Mother of God Church partially dug inside a cliff was preserved. The main church of the complex is the Katoghiké Church.
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Haghartsin - One of the most beautiful sites in Armenia is the monastery complex of Haghartsin. Nestled among trees on a slope it ihas three churches that were originally built in the 11th century. St. Gregory is the oldest. The other two are St. Stephen and St. Asdvatsatsin. They were ruined by the Seljuks and rebuilt in the 13th century. We visited the Haghartsin and then hiked in the surrounding areas. Here are some pictures :
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