FOUNDED IN 2001.

Church construction: Surb Kusanats church (Holy Virgins) in the village of Arakova was founded in 2001 in memory of the late Hayastan Yaylakhanyan. The church was consecrated in October 2001 by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Archbishop Gevorg Seryadaryan. The consecration ceremony of the church was attended by  Rev. Father Babgen Salbiyan, Prelate of Samtskhe-Javakheti and Tsalka’s General Prelacy, and Rev. Father Samuel Torosyan, pastor of the Surb Khach (Holy Cross) church in Akhalkalaki. The church was built by H. Yaylakhanyan with the support of his family and friends. The church is located on a steep hill adjacent to the village[1].

Architecture: The church is built of travertine. The overall dimensions are 8x6.5m.  It follows the cross-domed architectural style. Cornices are present at the junctions of the walls and the roof. The entrance is from the western side, above which is an Armenian four-line inscription. The belfry, supported by six columns, is located on the western part of the roof. The dome consists of eight naves, where four windows are positioned. The church roof is covered with tuff tiles. The Holy Altar is situated in the eastern part of the building, and the baptismal font is placed along the northern wall. [2]

Over the years, the church has become a unique place of pilgrimage.

Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia

Armenian Historical and Cultural Heritage Study Center in Georgia

[1] “Etchmiadzin”, 2001, (10-11), p 135:

[2] Armenian Historical and Cultural Heritage Study Center in Georgia. Armenian Diocese in Georgia