St. Stephen (St. Gregory the Illuminator) church in Korkhi village, Akhalkalaki region, most likely was established by the

Armenian immigrants from Karin who settled in Korkh. It was built on the old site of the old church and was a stone-built, wood-covered church. In 1839 it was mentioned as St. Gregory the Illuminator and as St. Stepanos church in 1840. This suggests that the church was built or repaired between 1839 and 1840. However, the church, constructed with very limited resources, soon required fundamental reconstruction.

It is noteworthy that the people of Korkh built the new church without the knowledge of the spiritual authorities and only applied for consecration after its completion in 1848.

The new church built on the old site was described as follows: "... a brick-built church was constructed, with stone walls and a wooden roof."

By 1884, the church was already in need of repair.

An inscription preserved on the eastern cornerstone of the southern facade likely refers to the renovation carried out during this period.

The inscription, consisting of 2 lines:

THIS YESTERDAY WALL THROUGH STONE FOR ABRAEM |

AVAKEANTS MEMORY IN 1890

Published for the first time.

Today, St. Stepanos church stands, but it is not only in decay but also in a critical condition.

In the old part of the village cemetery, traces of the renovation of St. Stepanos church of Korkh can be seen.

The reconstruction of the St. Stepanos church in Korkhi started in 2019. It was consecrated on October 29, 2022, by the Archbishop of Armavir Diocese Rev. Father Archbishop Sion Adamyan. The consecration was attended by Rev. Father (formerly) Archimandrite Kirakos Davtyan, Rev. Father Archimandrite Nshan Hmayakyan, Rev. Father Archimandrite Zaven Yazichyan, Rev. Father Narek Tigranyan, Rev. Father Virap Ghazaryan, and Rev. Father Mkrtich Mushadyan, pastor of Holy Mother of God (Sourb Astvatsatsin) church in Etchmiadzin.

The church was rebuilt with donations from the people of Korkh living abroad.