The Surb Hakob Church of Stepanakert

The Surb Hakob Church of Stepanakert

Location

The Surb Hakob Church is situated not far from the center of the city of Stepanakert, on Hekimian Street, adjacent to residential houses (Figs. 1, 2).

Fig. 1 The overall location of the church, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Historical Overview

The Surb Hakob Church in Stepanakert was constructed in 2007. The project was funded by Armenian-American philanthropist Nerses Yepremian, who built the church in memory of his prematurely deceased son, Hakob (https://news.am/arm/news/94233.html).

Architectural-compositional examination

The church is built of white Artsakh limestone. Its load-bearing elements, arches, and roof structures are reinforced concrete. In the plan, the building follows a cruciform layout with slightly elongated proportions. Three windows emphasize each of the four arms of the cross. Overall, both the exterior massing and the interior volumes resemble those of the Surb Astvatsatsin Church in Vaghuhas. However, there are modest differences in window dimensions, opening configurations, and decorative details.

The exterior is restrained and unadorned. Directly above the main entrance is a construction inscription, above which a carved cross is depicted (Fig. 3). The roof is a simple gabled structure covered with shingles; at the center of the roof ridge sits a small bell tower. Inside, the prayer hall is divided by columns into two sequential chambers. The first chamber has an approximately square floor plan, while the second chamber is rectangular (Figs. 4, 5).

Fig. 2 The general view of the church, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 3 The west façade of the church, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 4 Interior view of the church, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 5 Interior view of the church, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Immediately adjacent to the church stands a khachkar sculpted by the renowned artist Robert Askarian, entitled "Hope, Faith, Love" (Figs. 6–9). This khachkar was installed in 2014 (). Within the church grounds, there are also several other khachkars and sculptures (Figs. 10–12).

Fig. 6 The khachkar sculpted by Robert Askarian, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 7 The khachkar sculpted by Robert Askarian, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 10 One of the khachkars installed on the church grounds, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 8 The khachkar sculpted by Robert Askarian, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 11 One of the khachkars installed on the church grounds, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 9 The khachkar sculpted by Robert Askarian, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

Fig. 12 A sculpture installed on the church grounds, photo by H. Abrahamyan.

The Condition Before and After the War

The church did not sustain any damage during the Artsakh Wars. It remains standing and intact, as does the surrounding area of the church.

Bibliography

  1. Since Independence, 12 Churches Have Been Built in Artsakh, https://hetq.am/hy/article/64.015.
  2. The" Hope, Faith, Love" Khachkar Was Consecrated in the Courtyard of Surb Hakob Church, https://www.youtube.com/live/VrTAoUBnZ5Z5A.

 

The Surb Hakob Church of Stepanakert
The Surb Hakob Church of Stepanakert
The Surb Hakob Church of Stepanakert
Artsakh