Historical overview
The Khacher sanctuary, along with several other monuments in Akner, is listed among the intangible monuments of the history and culture of Verishen village. Although some researchers classify these monuments as belonging to the neighboring Verishen community, they are situated within Akner village and are integral to its cultural heritage and identity. This confusion stems from the Soviet era when Akner was administratively part of the Verishen state farm from 1958 to 1990 (Website of Goris community of Syunik region, RA, https://www.goriscity.am/Pages/CustomPage/?CustomPageID=722b890c-cc0b-4c5d-bdf2-30fbebab4291). Among these monuments is the Khacher sanctuary, which serves as the principal pilgrimage site for the village of Akner.
E. Lalayan describes the sanctuary, situated in the rocks near the cold springs, noting that “although there is neither a cross nor an image here, a large number of old oil lamps are scattered around, and the entire grotto is blackened by the burnt oil of the lamps and the smoke of the candles” (Lalayan 1899, 31). The author also observes that “many pilgrims from Goris now visit this place of pilgrimage” (Lalayan 1899, 31).
In the work “The Armenians of Zangezur”, S. Lisitsyan notes that according to ancient customs, the Vardavar festival is dedicated to the worship of mountains, and it was on this day that pilgrimages to the sacred mountains occurred (Lisitsyan 1969, 278). In this context, the author also references the pilgrimage to Mets Ishkanasar (Sep Ohanesi). At the end of the pilgrimage, in the evening, the pilgrims would also visit the Khacher sanctuary, which Lisitsyan refers to as Sep Kakop's (Saint Jacob's) cross (Lisitsyan 1969, 280). Lisitsyan describes the ritual of entering the sanctuary through one entrance and exiting through another as a means to ward off evil spirits. He notes that this practice was commonly observed during all cross-visits (Lisitsyan 1969, 280).
Architectural-compositional examination
The sanctuary is situated on one of the rocky hills at the base of Ishkhanasar, near the sources of the Vararakn River. The central feature of the complex is an elongated gate, through which pilgrims enter and exit via a second gate (Fig. 2). In addition to the main grotto, the site features several other sacred niches. On the upper platform of the complex, there are several new khachkars, pavilions, and structures used for sacrificial rituals (Fig. 3). Stairs have been installed to provide access from the top of the hill to the main sanctuary. At the foot of the hill, on the bank of the Vararakn River, new khachkars and a pavilion have also been built. Additionally, one of the stone tombs at the base of the hill is sanctified, featuring a new stone panel inscribed with "St. Gevorg." Inside this tomb, is a khachkar and a monumental column dating back to the 11th-12th centuries (Fig. 4).
