| Aruchavank Արուճավանք | |
|---|---|
 The Church of Aruch with collapsed dome, 2008. | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Armenian Apostolic Church |
| Location | |
| Location | Aruch,Aragatsotn Province, Armenia |
  Shown within Armenia Show map of Armenia Aruchavank (Aragatsotn) Show map of Aragatsotn | |
| Coordinates | 40°17′21″N44°04′50″E / 40.289078°N 44.080572°E /40.289078; 44.080572 |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Domed hall single-nave basilica |
| Style | Armenian |
| Completed | 660s |
| Dome | 1 (collapsed) |
Aruchavank or theCathedral of Aruch (Արուճավանք; alsoSurb Grigor) is situated on a rocky plateau at the western foot ofMount Aragats in the village ofAruch in theAragatsotn Province ofArmenia. According to wall inscriptions on the east wall and manuscripts written by historiansGhevond,Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsi, andStepanos Asoghik, the church and adjoining building for residence (the palace) were commissioned by PrinceGrigor Mamikonian and his wife Heghine/Heline between 661 and 682 AD.[1] Architecturally it is one of the most important Armenian churches of the Middle Ages and also one of the largest.
Aruch became acitadel in the laterMiddle Ages. The ruins of the palace were excavated in 1947 and between 1950 and 1952. The remains of two structures of the palace complex of Prince Grigor Mamikonian were found on the south side of the church of St. Grigor.
There is some controversy as to the exact date of the completion of this church because of the reference in the inscription to the reign of the Byzantine EmperorConstantine III (641). According toMarr, Haroutyunyan, and Manutcheryan, it is believed that there is confusion with the emperor Constans II (641-668).[2]
The church was restored during 1946–1948, except for the drum and cupola. The church had been extensively damaged by earthquakes and possibly by its use as a fortress in the 16th and 17th centuries (Oramanian, 1948).[3]
Aruchavank is a domed hall single-navebasilica type structure. Itsdrum anddrum have since collapsed prior to restoration efforts.
