"Restoration work begins on the Holy Trinity Church of Kirants and the Srvegh monastic complex" an article by Carlo Coppola
The Srvegh Monastery, or Srvegh Vank, is a partially ruined medieval Armenian monastic complex located 3 kilometers southwest of the village of Aygehovit, in Tavush Province, in a place called "Khachi Tak." The complex dates back to the 13th century and is a unique example of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. The main church of the complex is a domed hall, built with fired bricks.
The complex is inscribed in the state list of immovable monuments of Armenian history and culture as a heritage site of national importance. The brick complex stands out for its uniqueness in the panorama of Armenian architectural heritage.
During numerous visits by Ministry experts, the progress of restoration work initiated in the church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) has been discussed in detail. Particular attention is being devoted to the systematic execution of complex consolidation, repair, and restoration interventions.
The working meetings involve the head of Aygehovit administration, representatives of contracting companies, as well as technical control and authorial supervision experts. This multilateral approach ensures high quality work and historical accuracy.
The Holy Trinity Church located in the village of Kirants, in Tavush Province, is another important monument whose restoration is state-funded. Ministry specialists have discussed in detail the implementation methods for the bell tower, which will enhance the functional and symbolic value of the church.
The restoration of these two monuments demonstrates how much importance the State attributes to cultural heritage conservation. The restoration of medieval monuments not only preserves historical memory but also promotes cultural tourism in the region.
The restoration project of the Srvegh and Kirants monuments has become a symbol of cultural life in Tavush Province. State-level investments demonstrate that Armenia prioritizes the conservation of its rich architectural heritage and its transmission to future generations.
Once restoration work is completed, these monuments will become fundamental exhibition centers of Armenian culture and history not only at the local level, but also internationally.
Although these restoration interventions were certainly planned long ago, they take on an even deeper symbolic meaning today, as they are situated in a context of growing social and political tension. In recent weeks, indeed, the Armenian government has been criticized by opposition parties, which accuse it of questioning the historical and identity role of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In such a scenario, the decision to allocate significant state resources to the recovery of two important medieval religious monuments appears not only as an act of cultural heritage protection, but also as a concrete response to such controversies.
The restoration of the Holy Trinity Church of Kirants and the Srvegh monastery thus becomes a tangible gesture that reaffirms the Armenian government's commitment to safeguarding Armenia's spiritual and cultural identity, demonstrating attention to the country's religious roots, while however positioning itself in opposition to the current leadership of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Beyond their liturgical function, these monuments indeed represent pillars of Armenian collective memory, and their revival testifies to a will for continuity and dialogue between state institutions and ecclesiastical tradition.
Carlo Coppola
