Surp Khach Vank in Crimea

Saint Cross monastery is the most significant center of Crimean - Armenian colony in Ukraine.

It is located 4 km southwest from the city Old Crimea, on the terrace of the mountain "Saint Cross".

The manuscripts about the church were first written in 1347, though this church has been built much later in 1358 by the help of Hovhannes Kronavor, his brothers and religious followers. The construction records of the church testify to this fact.

In 14-18 centuries Saint Cross used to be a big religious and cultural center. It used to have its religious school, and a library, besides being an Episcopal residence. As a religious center the complex functioned up to 1920.

In 1980s the monastery was restored and in 1994 the divine services were regenerated in the monastery’s Surb Nshan church.

In 2002 by a special decree the monastery was returned to Armenian Apostolic Church.

On July 29 2008 a special ceremony dedicated to the 650th anniversary of Saint Cross Church was organized in Crimea. By then Armenian President Serge Sargsyan and Catholics of All Armenians Garegin B participated in the ceremony.

Sources

• SAINT CROSS CHURCH OF CRIMEA, Hayots Ashkhar Daily, July 31, 2008