St. Hovhannes church
Name: St. Hovhannes church
Monument type: Church-Monastic Complex
Region: Aragatsotn
Periods: Medieval
Name: St. Hovhannes church
Other nomination: Katoghike
Monument type: Monastery complex
Region: Aragatsotn
Community: Mastara
Residence: Mastara village
Location: Center of Mastara village
Preservation: Standing
Coordinates: 40o27’07” 43o53’02”
Elevation: 1745 m
Era and chronology: The church had 2 construction periods: 1) 620-630s, with its initial architectural type, it copied the compositions of St. Theodor Church of Bagaran and St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 2) 640s, the architectural composition changed, approaching the type of Hripsime church (A. Ghazaryan).
Mastara Church: A Dome So Divine, That It Speaks to The Angels
As it majestically stands, with an impressive dome crowning its top, Mastara Church reminds you that perfection can never come easily or quickly.
Also known as St. Hovhannes Church, this is one of the oldest churches in the land of ancient churches. Its construction began in the 620s, but it took centuries and the incorporation of numerous architectural compositions to achieve its current complex yet refined shape.
From the heart of the building, an imposing dome rises, perfectly encompassing the structure and immersing you in profound stillness once you step inside. Armenian architects focused their expertise on this central dome and persevered in finding creative solutions to create the most remarkable version possible. The result demonstrates that their efforts were not in vain, as this gigantic dome, with its octagonal drum, allows this church to be considered one of the finest examples of early medieval Armenian architecture.
In the enchanting realm of Aragatsotn, nestled within the village that proudly bears its name, stands this remarkable church. Its well-preserved state enables us to fully appreciate its awe-inspiring structure.
The current composition of the church was achieved over the centuries as different architectural styles succeeded one another, constantly enhancing the previous design and striving for architectural perfection.
The laying of the first stone took place around the 620s, drawing inspiration from the design styles of St. Theodor Church of Bagaran and St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral. In the 640s, the architectural composition was revisited, gradually transitioning towards a style reminiscent of Hripsime Church.
Throughout the centuries, the church underwent renovations in the 5th, 13th, and 18th centuries, and most recently in 2017.
The structure of the church is indeed impressive, making it one of the most celebrated examples of early medieval Armenian architecture.
It stands as a quadrangular structure with a central dome. Within its prayer hall, a quadrangular layout is observed. The grand dome, accompanied by an octagonal drum, majestically rises above three tiers of trumpet-shaped elements.
The inner design showcases three horseshoe-shaped altars, while their exteriors take on a pentagonal shape. Access to the church is provided through entrances located on the western and southern shrines.
Initially, the edifice was constructed using large brown and purple stones, which were later complemented by the addition of orange-yellow stones during renovation. The marks left by skilled stone masons have been meticulously preserved.
The exterior decoration of the church showcases a tasteful restraint while incorporating rare Armenian art decorative elements. Notably, sculptured porches, cornices, and window arches adorned with floral and geometric motifs contribute to the overall aesthetic.
A noteworthy addition to the design is the presence of decorative arches adorning the western and eastern facades. Another prominent feature is the inclusion of dentil cornices, further enhancing the visual appeal of the exterior.
Mastara Church has inspired many legends. One of them says that the villagers carried St. Hovhannes’ body through the village, they asked for a part of him. They were given his hand, and they built a church in the village to house it. From that day on, the village was known as Mastara.
Another legend has it that St. Gregory the Illuminator, bearing the relic of St. John, laid a portion of it to rest in the very spot where the renowned church was constructed. It was then that the village acquired its name, Mastara, a profound testament to the act of “taking the part.”
Facts
❈ Mastara Church, also known as St. Hovhannes Church holds the distinction of being one of Armenia’s oldest religious structures.
❈ The church was founded in 620 in the Aragatson, it stands as one of the most exquisite examples of early Medieval Armenian Architecture.
❈ Its spectacular design is the result of the dedication of Armenian architects who tirelessly pursued perfection over the centuries. It was achieved through the layering and incorporation of numerous architectural compositions throughout the years.
❈ The impressive dome of the church is one of its most renowned features. It is widely recognized for its remarkable size and distinctive octagonal drum.
❈ According to the legend, the church was built to house the hand of St. Hovhannes. From that day on, the village was known as Mastara.
🔍 Research history
The monument is mentioned in the XIX century sources. The inscriptions were studied and published (G. Alishan, G. Hovsepyan and others). The study of the architecture and partial measurement was done by T. Toramanian. Mastara is mentioned in almost all the works devoted to the Armenian architecture.
🧱 Archaeological description
Architecture
Hovhannes Church is a four-sided structure with a central dome. The prayer hall is quadrangular. A giant dome with an octagonal drum rises above the three-tiered trumpets. Three of the altars are horseshoe-shaped on the inside and pentagonal on the outside. On both sides of the upper tabernacle are the vestries. The entrances are from the western and southern shrines. Mastara stands on a three-tiered plinth. It was built with large brown and purple stones and renovated with orange-yellow stones. The marks of the stone masons have been preserved. 8 windows are opened on the 16-seat drum. The dome is internally decorated with decorative beams.
5 Armenian and 1 Greek protocols have been preserved. The exterior decoration is restrained; Armenian rare art decorative elements are used. For the first time, in addition to the sculptured porches, cornices and window arches (floral and geometrical elements), the western and eastern facades (Z. Hakobyan) were decorated with decorative arches. One of the elements of the exterior decoration are also dentil cornices, and inside the church, at the entrance of the repositories, there are re-used sculptures of archangels.
The monument has reached us in an almost pristine condition. The southern entrance of the church was repaired in 891. The church was renovated in the X-XIII centuries, XVIII century. In the Late Middle Ages, it was surrounded by walls, demolished in 1889 during the church renovation. In the same year, a wooden lodge was built inside the church, with the walls covered with thick sand plaster. The remains of frescoes were left under the layer of plaster. Cleaning, fixing and restoration works of murals were carried out in 2017 (architect Ara Zaryan and mural restorer Christine Lamoureux).
The church served as a storehouse for agricultural products and bread until 1992. 4 early medieval monuments belonging to this composition have reached us: St. Astvatsatsin of Voskepari, Mets Church of Artik, St. Grigor of Harichavank, the X century composition was copied in the royalist Holy Apostles Church of Kars.
🌍 Significance
The Mastara Cathedral is a vivid example of how the ancient Armenian architects, not being satisfied with the obtained achievements, were constantly creatively searching for new versions of central-domed churches and appropriate constructive solutions for the roof. The Mastara temple is unique in the early medieval Armenian architecture with the mentioned characteristics and is considered as one of its best examples.
📜 Traditional legends
- While taking St. Hovhannes’ corpse through the village, the locals asked for a part of his. Receiving his hand, they built a church in the village and put it inside. After that, the village was called Mastara.
- According to the legend, St. Gregory the Illuminator brought St. John’s relic burying a part of it in the place where the eponymous church was built, and the village was called Mastara, which means “I took the part”.
📚 Sources
Literature
- Zaryan A., Lamoure K., foreword by P. Tonapetyan 2019, Restoration of frescoes in a number of early Christian Armenian churches, Yerevan, “Tigran Mets” ed., 329 pages.
- Toramanian T. 2013, Materials of the history of Armenian architecture, Yerevan, YSU ed., 864 pages.
- Hakobyan Z. 2016, Armenian early medieval sculpture (4th-7th centuries). Lectures, Yerevan, YSU ed., 169 pages.
- History of Armenian Architecture 2004, Volume 3, Pat. ed.: M. Hasratyan, Yerevan, “Science” ed., 346 pages.
- Ghanalanyan A., Legends, Yerevan, Armenian SSR Publishing House, 1969, 530 pages.
- Kazarian A. 2012, Church architecture of Transcaucasia VII century. Formation and development of the traditions, Volume II, Moscow, Locus Standi, 640 p.
List of monuments
Aragatsotn 2.69.8
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