Ancient church in Armenia's north-east on the brink of collapse (video)

An Armenian charity foundation has voiced alarm over the desolate situation of the St Mary church of Odzun (Lori region).

In a statement issued in that connection, the press service of the foundation called Hovhannes Imastaser Katoghikos Odznetci said the church in Armenia's north-eastern region is under the threat of collapse.

"Although the St Mary Church of Odzun regularly serves holy masses and hosts weddings and funerals, it is facing the threat of collapse, after standing strong for a millennium and a half," reads the statement.

On October 18, the foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Culture for restoring the ancient place of worship. It is now waiting for the selection of a construction company to start the renovation.

The foundation has agreed to cover the repairs which are expected to last around three years.

"The Odzun church turned into a grain warehouse in the Soviet years," the authors of the statements say.


The history of the church dates from the 6^th century. In the 8^th century it was reconstructed by Hovhannes III Odznetsi. At the northern (not preserved anymore) and southern side there are unusual arcaded cloisters and the west cloister has a blind wall with an arched entrance in the middle. The roof is barrel vaulted. Four columns support the rib vaulted tambour and there are two more columns at the western part of the church. At the eastern façade above the central window one can observe a carving of Christ with the gospel of St. John and two angels below. At the southern façade, at each side of the central window there are two angels and traces of another figure, probably Christ. Much later, in the 19th century two small belltowers were added.