Katoghike Sourb Nshan Church :: ARTSAKH HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Katoghike Sourb Nshan Church 1214 y․

NKR / Karvajar / Dadivank

Architectural Description

Compositionally it represents a domed hall - a form rather well spread and developed in Armenian architecture of other regions, but not in Artsakh, with four sacristies by the corners. External dimensions are 12.30 x 10.60 m, and the height is 18.50 m. With the exception of the northern facade other walls both internal (on the plaster) and external (on the stone) were covered by inscriptions. Most of them were engraved, though there were also inscriptions made by red and white pigments.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 82, 84.

Description

This is the real masterpiece of the complex.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 82.

1214 y․

Most of them were engraved, though there were also inscriptions made by red and white pigments. The building inscription of 1214 on the southern facade was rather extended. It follows that before the construction of the Cathedral there had already been many structures in the area. The architecture and interior decoration were described by a number of investigators (the most exhaustive description was provided by M. Hasratian). It seems, the measurements conducted by our expeditions would be a relevant addition to the materials already available in scientific circulation.

Murad Hasratian, The Artsakh School of Armenian Architecture, Yerevan, 1992, pp. 44-49; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 84.

Murals
1911 y․

Presumably the cathedral was the only church in Dadi Vank decorated with frescoes. Mesrop Magistros was the first investigator to provide perhaps the most detailed description of the frescoes. Visiting the cathedralin 1911, he wrote: “We took photos of the frescoes, which by that time were in rather satisfactory condition, while the frescoes of Tatev were almost totally deteriorated. The pictures were on the northern and southern walls. Dampness of the northern wall was beginning to tell on the frescoes. It remains only to regret that those rare survivors of Armenian mural tradition were not copied in paint in the time. The fresco on the southern wall, which was then sufficiently well preserved depicted the Holy Virgin in semi-profile, in a long gray robe, with a red kerchief tied round her head. She is holding an orarion adorned with crosses in her stretched hands. She is looking eastwards, at a figure sitting in the centre. A winged angel standing in front of her is much smaller in size and is also looking in the same direction. It is impossible to identify the strongly damaged figure vaguely outlined in the centre. The scene on the northern wall depicts a figure walking eastwards, with a Gospel clad in gold in his right hand. He has a long red beard of the same color as his hair. He is in red jacket and gray mantle. A young unbearded person dressed merely in a yellowish shirt adorned with crosses is standing beside him, his right hand is pleadingly stretched forwards. The fresco on the northern wall represents the birth of Jesus. The Virgin is lying with her head lift up, a position quite common in the iconography of Gospel miniatures. St Joseph is standing at her bedside, but his head is altogether deteriorated. Figures of the three magians smart motley oriental dresses, kneeling in adoration are painted below the Holy Virgin. And finally the whole scene is completed by figures of angels floating in the sky and singing Glory in Highest. Other details are described in photographic copies. There were also other fragmented frescoes, quite deteriorated. We assume, based on the stylistic and painting peculiarities, that the frescoes date back to the XIII cent...”

"Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 87; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 119-120.

Later the frescoes were investigated by L. Durnovo. To her view the fresco on the southern wall depicted “a large scene of St Nickolas regaining his klobuc (headgear) from Jesus and omophorion from the hand of the Holy Virgin, while the frescoes on the northern wall represent the stoning of Saint Stephan the archdeacon (on the right). As soon as the cult of Saint Nicholas was not spread in Armenia even in the late Midages, the occurrence of the latter should have a special reason.”

L. A. Durnovo, Essays on the Fine Arts of Medieval Armenia, Moscow, 1979, p. 153-154 (in Russian); Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 120.

1980 y․

In respect of this material B. Ulubabian and M. Hasratian wrote in their article of 1980: “In accordance with one of the best experts in Medieval art, L. Durnovo, the large fresco on the southern wall depicts the submission to Saint Nicolas of his klobuk and omophorion by Christ and the Virgin, and the right side of the northern wall depicts the martyrdom of Saint Stephan through stoning. However the occurrence of St Nicholas in Dadi Vank is doubtful, because the cult of this saint was not characteristic of Armenia.” Based on the tradition provided by Kirakos Gandzaketsi that Arzu Khatun and her daughters “were gifted with exceptional artistic talent”, it was presumed that the painters of Dadi Vank frescoes were Arzu Khatun herself, together with her daughters. In his later works M. Hasratian apparently changed his former viewpoint, quoting Durnovo that the figure on the fresco was St Nicholas.

B. Ulubabian, M. Hasratian, Dadi Vank, "Haykazian Armenistic Magazine", Beyrut 1980, p. 37-38 (in Armenian); M. Hasratian, The Artsakh School of Armenian Architecture, Yerevan, 1992, p. 49 (in Armenian); Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 120-121.

The expertise of L. Durnovo, may be also confirmed by a written evidence found by us - an inscription made in white pigment (“Saint Nicholas Patriarch”), which has surprisingly missed the attention of all former investigators. To the favor of L. Durnovo it should be mentioned that she arrived to the right conclusion even though she did not notice and read the inscription on the wall plaster.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 121.

As regards the dating of frescoes, it seems, it wouldn’t be correct to date the frescoes by the period between 1214-1251, based merely on inscription carved on the plaster inside the altar apse (1251), as there are also other inscriptions on the interior plaster, which respectively date from 1263, 1265, 1267, 1297 and 1312. Two of these inscriptions, specifically those of 1263 and 1297 were written by pigment.272 Thus follows that the frescoes might have been painted at the second half of the XIII, or even at the beginning of the XIV cent.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 121.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Construction 1214 y․

Inscription consisting of 19 lines was engraved between the pilasters of the southern facade, beneath the windows:
“BY THE GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD FATHER AND HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON JESUS CHRIST, AND BY THE GRACE OF THE MOST HOLY SPIRIT, I, ARZU KHATUN, HUMBLE MAID OF THE CHRIST, THE DAUGHTER OF THE GREATEST PRINCE OF PRINCES, KURD AND THE SPOUSE OF CROWN PRINCE VAKHTANG, THE LORD OF HATERK AND WHOLE UPPER KHACHEN, WITH UTMOST HOPE BUILT THIS HOLY CATHEDRAL IN THE PLACE OF THE LAST REST OF MY HUSBAND AND MY SONS: HASSAN MY ELDER SON AND GRIGOR, WHO PASSED TO THE LORD DYING PREMATURELY AND THAT WAS THE ADMONITION OF GOD FOR MY SINS, AND PUT TO MY HEAD THE DOUBLE HALO MORE SUITABLE FOR MY ELDER - HASSAN, KILLED FOR CHRISTIAN FAITH IN THE TURKISH WAR AND IN THREE MONTHS MY JUNIOR SON, GRIGOR, CALLED FATHER (I. E. PRIOR), PAID HIS TRIBUTE TO THE NATURE BY HIS LIFE AND THEY PASSED TO THE CHRIST, LEAVING THEIR POOR MOTHER IN UNCONSOLABLE MOURNING. BUT WHILE THEY WERE ALIVE THEY VOWED TO BUILD A CHURCH FOR THE GOD IN THIS PLACE, AND DIDN’T MANAGE BECAUSE THE DEATH CAME TO THEM FASTER. THEY BEQUEATHED ME TO IMPLEMENT BY ALL MEANS THE TESTAMENT OF THEIR HEARTS AND I UNDERTOOK THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS EXPIATORY WITH UTMOST HOPE AND DILIGENCE FOR THE SALVATION OF THEIR SOULS, AND MINE, AND THE DAUGHTERS OF MINE, AND ALL MY NEPHEWS, AND THUS PLEAD: WHILE WORSHIPPING IN THIS HOLY ALTAR, REMEMBER MY PRAYERS INSCRIBED ON THIS CHURCH. THIS EXPIATORY IS COMPLETED IN THE YEAR OF ARMENIAN DATING KG (1214). TO THE GLORY OF THE LORD, AND DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THIS HOLY CONVENT I MADE A BEQUEST TO THE CHURCH: A VILLAGE AND A SETTLEMENT -APAHEN AND YEZNARATZANTS WITHIN THEIR BOUNDARIES, AND BTZHANTS AND KANACHAVOR, WHICH ARE SITUATED IN VAYOTS DZOR, AND TWO HOUSES IN ARPA AND OWING TO THIS [BEQUEST AND FOR THE SAFE COMPLETION OF THE WORK] THE HOLY BRETHREN BY THEIR OWN FREE WILL ESTABLISHED TO SERVE THE REGULAR HIGH MASS OF THIS ALTAR. IF WHOEVER DESTROYS THIS FIRM DECISION, LET HIS HOPE IN CHRIST BE DESTROYED BY THE WILL OF THE PLACE OF PRINCES AND PRIORS, AND MAY GOD JUDGE HIM.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 198-199; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 99, 101. Note: The inscription is collated and a number of misprints and voluntary additions are corrected. The paleography was also distorted.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation 1241 y․

Below the first inscription, consists of 5 lines:
THE WILL OF GOD, I VAGHTANG, THE SON OF SMPAT, THE SERVANT OF JESUS, AND MY SPOUSE NANA, THE MAID OF JESUS, JOINED TO THE CONVENT OF DADE VANK AND WITH UTMOST HOPE GAVE SHECHA-CHORENTS FROM OUR PATRIMONY AND AN ORCHARD IN KHOZENEK TOGETHER WITH MANANAMARG (‘MANNA MEDOW’) AND THE POPULATION AND MOST IMPORTANT: A CROSS. FATHER GRIGORIS AND THE BRETHREN ESTABLISHED 2 DAYS OF LITURGY IN ALL THE CHURCHES IN THE FEAST OF SAINT JOHN FOR NANA AND IN THE FEAST OF VARDANANTS - FOR VAGHTANG. WHOEVER DESTROYS THE (MASS) HOURS, OR TAKES AWAY WHAT IS GIVEN BY US, SHALL BEAR THE SINS OF OUR FAMILY AND OURS. IN YEAR 1241.”

Published in: “"Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 202-203; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 101-102. The toponym Mananamarg was read as “i...knamarg”. There were also other misreadings.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation

A little below of the second inscription, 5 lines:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I, GONTSE AND MY SONS HASSAN AND VARHAM, GRANDSONS OF DOPANTS, GAVE OUR PATRIMONY KHUD, WITHIN ITS BOUNDARIES, A FIELD, UPPER MEADOW TO DADI VANK, FOR OUR BELOVED SISTER IN LAW AND OUR TATUN, DAUGHTER OF KURD OF ANBERD, THE SPOUSE OF HASSAN AND THE BRETHREN ESTABLISHED: 8 DAYS, 8 REGULAR MASSES FOR LUN. THUS WHOEVER TAKES KHUD AWAY FROM DADI VANK, OR DESTROYS THE MASS SHALL BE CURSED BY 318 PATRIARCHS”.

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 203; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 102. Note: The paleography was distorted.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation 1261 y․

An inscription of 5 lines is a little below and to the right of the former.
“BY THE WILL OF GOD I SASNA DZER-NAVOR JOINED TO THE HOLY CONVENT AT THE PRIORSHIP OF FATHER ATHANAS AND GAVE THE LAND OF SARUTANTS, 4 OXEN AND OTHER PRODUCE TO THE HOLY CATHEDRAL AND THEY ESTABLISHED 2 DAYS OF LITURGY ON THE FEAST OF SAHAK IN ALL THE CHURCHES AND ON SUNDAYS. WHOEVER TAKES THE LAND AWAY OR DESTROYS MY HOURS OF LITURGY SHALL BEAR MY SINS. 1261”.

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, pp. 204-205; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 102. Note: There were numerous misprints in the publications and the paleography wasn‘t preserved.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Boundaries

In the right corner of the second row of the facade masonry.
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I SEROB JRVSHTKETSI JOINED TO THE HOLY CROSS. ONCE EVERY 8 DAYS A MASS IS TO BE SERVED WITHIN A YEAR. GOD BLESS THE EXECUTORS.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 209; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 102. Note: The word “one” of days was missing in the publication. The paleography wasn‘t preserved.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

On the second and third row of the masonry, 5 lines:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, AND BY THE ORDER OF FATHER ATHANAS AND CONSENT OF OTHER BRETHREN I, GRIGOR ECONOM BOUGHT THE LAND WITH BYRES BY MY OWN FAIR MEANS AND GAVE IT TO THE CHURCH AND MIXED WITH OTHER PROPERTY OF THE CONGREGATION AND THEY ESTABLISHED 3 DAYS OF LITURGY FOR ME IN THE FEAST OF THE VISION OF HOLY CROSS. THUS WHOEVER TAKES THIS LAND OFF THE CHURCH, OR DESTROYS MY LITURGIES, LET HIS HOPE IN CHRIST BE DESTROYED AND LET HIS JOINTS BE SPREAD WITHIN UDEI AND OTHER PAGANS WHO DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE CROSS.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 203-204; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 102-103.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1309 y․

On the Southern facade, between the niche and the arch on the first and second rows of the wall masonry, 7 lines, the last line is weathered.
“CHRIST, GOD HAVE MERCY UPON THE DEACON THAT HAS GIVEN A DONATION TO THE CHURCH. FATHER SARKIS AND THE CONGREGATION PROVIDED 2 LITURGIES A YEAR ON THE FEAST OF SAINT THEODOROS. GOD BLESS THOSE WHO SERVE (THE MASS). 1309.”

Publishedin: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 205; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103. Note: a number of divergences in the paleography.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1508 y․

8 short lines engraved on the fourth row of the facade masonry, next to the cross:
“GOD HAVE MERCY UPON THE SOUL OF FATHER YEGHE, 1508.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 208; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103. Note: The dating of the inscription in the publication was incorrect.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1737 y․

Left pan of the third row of stone masonry, beside the inscription N 6, 5 lines:
“LORD, THIS IS THE DATE OF DEATH -1737. I, UNDESERVING ASLI WROTE.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 209; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103. Note: The paleography was distorted.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

There had been an inscription consisting of 7 lines in the western niche of the southern facade, on the 3rd and 4th rows of the masonry, of which only the first two letters of each line were preserved.
The original of the inscription is totally unintelligible.

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1479 y․

Between the wall arch and the eastern niche, on the 6th row of the wall masonry. 8 lines:
“GOD HAVE MERCY UPON KIRAKOS AND HIS SPOUSE. AMEN. IN YEAR 1479”.

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 208; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103. Note: The paleography wasn’t preserved.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Two rows below the former, 5 short lines:
“I, NERSES, WROTE IN YEAR” at the edge of the same stone. 1 line: “I, GORIS, THE OWNER OF SE(H)AT (IN)”.

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103. Note: The date was missed. The last word may, with certain reservations, may be interpreted as Sehati, which was the name of the province of Surmalu under the Persian rule (Sehata land).

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Under the previous inscription, 3 lines, obscure:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I AGHAVNI DESCENDED TO THE GRAVE...”

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation 1241 y․

5 lines engraved in the central part of the facade, on the 6th and 7th rows of the stone masonry:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I, PRINCE SEVA-DA, THE SON OF SMPAT AND MY SPOUSE TATZHER WITH UTMOST HOPE GAVE OUR PATRIMONY: THE ORCHARDS AT THE EDGE OF KARMNJATAPA, (THE BRIDGE) OF KHOZENEK, TO DADI VANK AND NSHKHARATUN (COMMUNION BREAD HOUSE HOST HOUSE). THE PRIOR, FATHER GRIGORIS AND THE BRETHREN GAVE US 2 HOURS OF LITURGY IN EVERY CHURCH ON THE FEAST OF CANDLEMASS TO ME AND ON THE MAUNDY THURSDAY TO TATZHER. WHOEVER TAKES THIS GARDEN AWAY FROM THE MONASTERY, LET THE SON BE HIS GLORIOUS JUDGE. LET HIM BE CURSED BY 318 PATRIARCHS AND BE THE ACCOMPLICE OF JUDAH. AMEN. DATED 1241.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 202; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 103.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation 1253 y․

4 lines engraved below the former, on the 3rd and 4th rows of the stone masonry:
“BY THE WILL OF ALMIGHTY GOD, I, FATHER NERSES ARCHBISHOP OF CHARAB-ERD, JOINED TO DADI VANK AND GAVE AN ORCHARD TO THE PILGRIM’S HOUSE. FATHER GRIGORIS AND THE CONGREGATION ESTABLISHED 2 DAYS OF HOLY MASS FOR ME ON THE FEAST OF FATHER BARSEGH. WHOEVER DESTROYS IT SHALL BEAR MY SINS BEFORE THE GOD. 1253.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 204; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

3 lines engraved under the large inscription of the facade, on the 5th row of the masonry, to the right:
“KHONDKAR PASHE, THE DAUGHTER OF MASTER (PARON) AGHPUGHI ORDERED TO CARVE THESE HOLY SYMBOLS. REMEMBER MY PRAYERS”.

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 209; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1605 y․

Under the former, 1 line:
“IN YEAR 1605, TUGHON THE ORPHAN? MADE”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 209; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1259 y․

Under the former. The third row of the stone masonry. 3 lines:
“I, PRIEST HOVANNES KODRETSI, JOINED TO THE HOLY CONGREGATION BY MY FAIR PRODUCE AND THEY ESTABLISHED 1 LITURGY FOR ME ON CHRISMAS EVE. WHOEVER DESTROYS IT SHALL BEAR MY SINS BEFORE THE CHRIST YEAR 1259.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 204; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1655 y․

Under the former, one line in the same row:
“IN YEAR 1655. GOD BLESS TAREL.”

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

To the left of the northern niche in the eastern facade:
“FATHER OHNAN TO SURB NSHAN.”

Published in. Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104. Note: deficient.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Near the former inscription:
“I STEPHANOS SHARVANETSI.”

Published in. Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104. Note: Sharvan = Shirvan.

Inscription, Armenian, Cryptogram, Commemoration

“OVANES.”

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 104.

Inscription, Armenian, Cryptogram, Commemoration

On the southern side of the eastern wall, to the right of the niche:
“TO COMMEMORATE VAR (HAM)”

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 105.

Inscription, Armenian, Cryptogram, Commemoration

Concise:
“THOMA VARDAPET.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 209; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 105. Note: was interpreted as “Thoma Varpet”.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Boundaries 1241 y․

6 lines on the upper part of the portal:
“ I, MAMA, DAUGHTER OF VAGHTANK, THE LORD OF HATERK GAVE MY PATRIMONIAL POCHOYGARAK AND SACRED UTENSILS OF GOLD AND SILVER TO THE HOLY CATHEDRAL IN THE PRIORSHIP OF FATHER GRIGORIS AND THE HOLY CONGREGATION ESTABLISHED (A MASS TO BE SERVED) REGULARLY AT THE FEAST OF ST. JACKOB AND EACH SUNDAY IN ALL THE CHURCHES. IN YEAR 1241 .”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 199-200; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 105.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

5 short lines in the upper right comer of the portal:
“GOD HAVE MERCY UPON THE SOUL OF KHORISHAH.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, pp. 201-202; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 105.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

20 lines situated between the pilaster and the niche:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I MAMKA, THE DAUGHTER OF ...ANTS BY MY FREE WILL [GAVE ...]: ONE PLOT OF WASTE LAND; 20 RESIDENTIAL HOUSES; ONE MILL, [ ] A SILVER BELT, A BOX AND HONORARY TARASHURJAR OF MY PATRIMONY TO THE CATHEDRAL OF DADE [VANK] AT THE PRIORSHIP OF FATHER GRIGORIS, SON OF VASAK, AND THEY GAVE ME 3 DAYS (OF LITURGY) IN ALL NEW CHURCHES, AND SUNDAYS AND WITH THEM [ ]. GOD BLESS THE EXECUTORS OF THIS INSCRIPTION, AND IF WHOEVER OF THE STRANGERS OR ACQUAINTANCES DESTROYS IT, LET THEM BE CURSED BY 3 19 PATRIARCHS, AND THEIR JOINTS AND PARTS BE WITH CAIN AND JUDAH. GOD, HAVE MERCY UPON SARKIS.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 200; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 106.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation 1224 y․

Below the former (N28), 13 lines:
“IN THE NAME OF THE GOD, I GRIGOR, THE SON OF HASSAN, WITH UTMOST HOPE GAVE 4 RESIDENTIAL HOUSES TO THE GRAVE OF DADI FOR THE (SALVATION) OF MY SOUL. IN THE PRIORSHIP OF FATHER GRIGORIS. AND THEY GAVE ME (A LITURGY) ON THE FEAST OF SAINT GREGORY, IN EVERY CHURCH. THUS, WHOEVER OF THE STRANGERS OR PRIESTS DESTROYS THE MASS OF MINE ESTABLISHED BY THE SUPERIOR, OR TAKES AWAY THE HOUSES, SHALL BEAR MY SINS AND BE AN ACCOMPLICE OF JUDAH. 1224.”

Published "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 201; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 106. Note: The paleography wasn’t preserved.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Below the preceding inscription (N29), 9 lines damaged.
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I HASSAN, THE SON OF GRIGOR [GAVE] UT WITHIN ITS BORDERS AND WITH ITS POPULATION TO THE CHURCH [FOR THE SALVATION OF] MY FATHER’S SOUL. [THEY ESTABLISHED A MASS [IN THE FEAST] OF SAINT GREGORY FOR THE SOUL OF MY FATHER [...]”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 201; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 106. Note: Paleography similar to the former inscriptions.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Construction 1340 y․

On the right side of the entrance, over the pilaster with a semi-circular edge.
“ZECHO... I PARTICIPATED IN THE LITURGY OF CHRIST IN THIS CATHEDRAL .... FATHER SARKIS, WHO BUILT THIS WITH HIS FAIR PATRIMONY AND HIS PROPERTY FOR THE SALVATION OF HIS AND [?] THE SONS OF SHAH AN? SOULS; WHOEVER DESTROYS THE MEMORY OF MINE LET HIM BE JUDGED BY THE GOD. IN YEAR 1340.” The second inscription of 6 lines: “ONE LITURGY A YEAR ON MAUNDY THURSDAY SHALL BE SERVED ... WITH THE GOD. 1349.” The 3rd inscription (8 lines): “THE DECEASED KINS OF MKHITAR SHALL BE REMEMBERED ON THE MAUNDY THURSDAY, 1 MASS FOR MAMKAN, SPOUSE OF SMPAT.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 207; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 106-107. Note: has been. published without the last line.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

3 lines engraved over the entrance, in the left corner:
“GRIGOR COMPILATOR, SON OF USTA (‘ARTIZAN’) VARDAN. I PLEAD THIS SURB NSHAN (HOLY SYMBOL) TO REMEMBER ME IN CHRIST”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 210; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 107.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

3 lines engraved below the former (N 34), on the western side of the left corner of the same entrance:
“REMEMBER POGHOS, THE ILLUSTRATOR OF SURB NSHAN”.

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 210; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 107. Note: this inscription is currently missing.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation 1291 y․

12 lines engraved over the plaster of the western wall in the northeastern sacristy:
“BY THE GRACE OF THE GOD I, EACHI, SON OF AMIR HA [SSAN] GREAT PRINCE OF PROSH AND MY MOTHER TATZHER JOINED TO THE HOLY CONVENT DONATING HARGN ..., THE LAND NEAR KHACHEN RIVER ALONGSIDE WITH THE POND TO THE CATHEDRAL. FATHER ATHANAS AND THE CONGREGATION GAVE US 2 DAYS OF LITURGY IN EACH CHURCH, AT THE FEAST OF ZORAVAR (‘COMMANDER’, I.E. VARDANANTS FEAST), FOR MY SON AMIR-HASSAN AND MY SPOUSE, AND TATZHERN. THUS WHOEVER TAKES WHAT IS GIVEN BY US, OR DESTROYS OUR MASS SHALL BE CURSED BY 318 PATRIARCHS AND BE THE ACCOMPLICE OF JUDAH AND [CAIN] AND LET HIS JOINTS STAY WITH ARIOS. IN YEAR 1291.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 214; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 107. Note: the publication is deficient.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Donation 1265 y․

11 lines engraved on the plaster below the former:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I PRINCE SMPAT, SON OF GREAT LIPARIT JOINED TO THE HOLY CONVENT OF DADU VANK, IN THE PRIORSHIP OF FATHER ATHANAS AND BOUGHT THE GARDEN OF KHRNTASHANTS AND DONATED TO THE HOLY CATHEDRAL ALONGSIDE WITH YEGHEGIS, BOUGHT BY ME EARLIER, DZITA-HANKN AND WHATEVER THERE IS WITH OTHER PRODUCE AS NEEDED AND THE OTHER VILLAGE OF KANACHAVORAN [?], WHICH I FURNISHED WITH JUST PROPERTY. FATHER ATHANAS AND THE CONGREGATION ESTABLISHED A MASS FOR US, TO BE SERVED ON THE EASTER OF RESURRECTION, ON SUNDAY IN EVERY CHURCH. THUS WHOEVER TAKES OUR DONATION OR DESTROYS THE MASS SHALL BE CURSED BY 318 PATRIARCHS. YEAR 1265”.

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 206; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 107. Note: The last line, except ‘hayrapetatsn’ ‘the patriarchs’ is written by red pigment.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1263 y․

7 lines written by red ink on the plaster of the northern wall:
“1263. IN THE NAME OF THE GOD, I, NERS[ES]... JOINED TO THE HOLY CONVENT AND FATHER ATHANAS AND THE CONGREGATION ESTABLISHED A DAY OF LITURGY AT THE FEAST OF HOLY PREACHERS FOR MY SON HOVANNES? AND ME. LET THOSE WHO SERVE BE BLESSED BY THE GOD.”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 205; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 107. Note: As the plaster layer on which the inscription is made, extends to the mured part of the northern entrance, we may conclude that the northern entrance was closed in 1263 already.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1267 y․

9 lines engraved on the plaster, inside the main altar of the cathedral, in the bending, northwestwards:
“BY THE HELP OF GOD, I, MAMKA, THE SPOUSE OF BRAVE (‘ARIAKAN’) HASSAN AND OUR SON GRIGOR, THE OWNERS OF A PATRIMONY INCLUDING ALL THE EXISTING SETTLEMENTS AND OUR LANDLORDS (PARONS) DETERMINED IN 1267 AND GAVE THE HOLY CONVENT TZOVATEGH, JAJURANTS, JOL-BEKANTS, AND GRIGOR GAVE OUR SHARE OF THE LAND OF DZAGUNANTS ALONGSIDE WITH WHATEVER THERE WAS. MY SON FATHER SARKIS AND THE CONGREGATION ESTABLISHED A LITURGY TO BE SERVED ON THE FEAST OF ST STEPHANOS, FOR ME, MY MOTHER AND MY HUSBAND THUS, WHOEVER DESTROYS THE MASS, OR TAKES THE DONATION AWAY, LET HIM BE JUDGED BY THE GOD. WE GAVE MOKHRABAK, OUR SHARE IN YEAR 1312”.

"Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 206-207.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 108.
Note: There were essential deviations: the date was read as 1307, instead of 1267. The last, 9th line was a separate inscription, differing both by the contents and dating.

Author Samvel Karapetyan

Inscriptions dated 1267 and 1312 in the altar of Katoghike Church

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

On the northern wall of the northwestern sacristy, written on the plaster.
“. . . MY YEGHISA ..., [GAVE] A GARDEN ... TO THE HOLY CONVENT AT THE REIGN OF . . . UTE MY SON ... [WHOEVER DESTROYS] MAY THE LORD JUDGE HIM.”

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 108. Note: The last letter ‘Ե’ is part of the Armenian dating meaning ‘5’.

Inscription, Armenian, In Painted Characters, Commemoration 1297 y․

Over the frescoes in the upper part of the southern wall, right under the window, written by white pigment:
“I, MAMA AND MY ... TO YOU AND YOUR COMPANIONS SINCE THE CHILDHOOD. IN YEAR 1297”

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 108-109.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

2 lines written above the comparatively well preserved fresco, not far from the previous inscription:
“ST NICKOLAS PATRIARCH”.

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 109.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

A donatory inscription carved on the western facade of the cathedral, in the southern niche:
“BY THE WILL [OF GOD] SAINT ... AND ...NAS OUR [PATRIMONIAL] LAND AND KASHKARUT. THEY ESTABLISHED A DAY OF LITURGY FOR US IN ALL OF THE CHURCHES, AT THE FEAST OF ST. SARKIS, ON SUNDAY. THUS WHOEVER [TAKES OFF] THE LAND OR DESTROYS [OUR MASS MAY] GOD ...”

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 208; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 115. Note: the inscription is poorly preserved.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Below the former, 11 lines, partially erased:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD, I, J(O)HANNES JOINED TO THE HOLY CONGREGATION AT THE PRIORSHIP OF FATHER ATHANAS. [ THEY] ESTABLISHED TWO LITURGIES FOR ME IN MY FEAST OF [ ] WHOEVER DESTROYS MY MASS [SHALL BEAR MY SINS].

Published in: "Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 208, N 729; Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 115.

Type Photo
View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Inner view of the drum of the same church

Type Measurement
View Exterior
Direction From the north
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Type Measurement
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Type Reconstruction
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Ayvazian
Source Colour Negative
Date 2007 y․

After restoration (photo 2007)

Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2018 y․

Direction From the north-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1993 y․

Direction From the north-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2003 y․

Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2015 y․

Author Samvel Karapetyan

Name	Year/Century	Etymology
Katoghike