The Surb Sargis Church of Yeghcahogh

The Surb Sargis Church of Yeghcahogh

Location

The Church of Surb Sargis is located in the village of Yeghcahogh in the Shushi district of the Republic of Artsakh, perched on a hill that dominates the settlement (Figs. 1, 2).

Fig. 1. The general view of the church. Photo by N. Simonyan.

Fig. 2. The general view of the church. Photo by N. Simonyan.

Historical Overview

The church was erected in 2006 under the patronage of Rudik Israelyan (see https://hetq.am/hy/article/64015).

Architectural-compositional examination

The plan is cruciform, surmounted by a central dome. The structure is cast in reinforced concrete and clad externally with gray tuff slabs. Its roof is covered with corrugated metal sheeting (Figs. 3, 4). Inside, the walls are finished with lime plaster, and a number of icons are suspended along the interior walls (Fig. 5).

Fig. 3. The exterior view of the church. Photo by N. Simonyan.

Fig. 5. The sanctuary. Photo by N. Simonyan.

The condition Before and After the War

During the military operations of 2020 and 2023, the Church of Surb Sargis sustained no damage. However, extensive earth-moving works currently underway near Yeghcahogh pose a threat both to the village and to the church itself. Since 2020, Azerbaijani authorities have periodically declared that newly constructed churches in Artsakh represent symbols of occupation and should be demolished. In light of these pronouncements—and following the outright destruction of several other churches (Surb Hambardzum in Berdzor, Zoravor in Mehakavan, Surb Sargis in Mokhrenes, and the Green Hour Church in Shushi)—the newly built Surb Sargis Church in Yeghcahogh faces a genuine risk.

The Surb Sargis Church of Yeghcahogh
The Surb Sargis Church of Yeghcahogh
The Surb Sargis Church of Yeghcahogh
Artsakh