Big Celebrations Planned for NKR Cathedral’s 770th Anniversary

This year will see the 770th anniversary of the St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Gandzasar Monastery located in the Mardakert District of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR), about two hours drive from the capital city of Stepanakert.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s religious and secular leaders have decided to celebrate the occasion as a big event, since the cathedral is of great importance to NKR’s cultural life.

Upon NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan’s decision and with the blessing of the head of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, a joint governmental and diocesan committee has been created to plan and organize the festivities. The committee includes members of clergy, ministers, high-ranking officials, professors, and journalists.

Headed by NKR Finance Minister and Deputy PM Spartak Tevosyan, the committee held its first session on March 30, discussed the proposals and developed the festivities’ main program, which will include a series of cultural and educational events such as concerts, exhibits, conferences, and the making of a film.

According to the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, on July 11, the day when Vardavar is celebrated, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan will offer a solemn festive liturgy in Gandzasar Monastery. The NKR Defense Army is also planned to be included in the festivities.

The foundations of the Cathedral were laid in 1216 by Prince Hasan Jalal Vakhtangian, a powerful Armenian feudal lord who referred to himself as Grand Prince, Prince of Princes and King (tagavor). Prince Hasan Jalal relates to one of the most ancient aristocratic families in world history—the Arranshahiks—who ruled eastern Armenian lands since early medieval times, if not well before.

The opening ceremony of the church took place on July 22, 1240.