By the initiative of Shaqe Gharakhanyan, the head of “Protection service” NCSO’s branch Arpi natural-historical reserve, “Orbelyans and their cultural heritage” open class was held for Areni’s secondary school’s 6th grade pupils. She detailed about the spiritual and secular activity of Orbelyans.
“Smbat Orbelyan managed to enlarge the administrative territories, reconstruct the ruined churches (Tatev monastery, Noravanq and others), thanks to him churches were freed from taxes. Stepanos Orbelyan managed to unite Noravanq’s and Tatev’s episcopal residences, making Noravanq the spiritual center of Syuniq. By his order and sponsorship architecture Momik built Holy Grigor Lusavorich church in Tatev. He is not only a clergyman but also historiographer, poet and theologian”, mentioned Shaqe Gharakhanyan in her speech.
Among the architectural heritage of Vayoc dzor she talked about Noravanq’s Holy Karapet church, Holy Grigor church, where further Smbat Orbelyan’s cinders were moved to, Holy Astvatsatsin, Selim’s caravansary and detailed about their spiritual, cultural and architectural significance.
The head of “Arpi” natural-historical reserve also detailed about the deallocation of Tarsayich Orbelyan’s residence to Arpa from Eghegis and the bridge constructed by the initiative of T. Orbelyan which has not been reserved unfortunately.
By the end of the open class Shaq Gharakhanyan found out that the pupils are quite informed about the historical-cultural heritage of their motherland, know especially about the historical and architectural significance of Noravanq monastic complex.
