Odzun Church

If you are traveling to northern Armenia and are in the Lori region then it’s definitely worth stopping by the small village of Ordzun to visit their ancient church. According to locals, the first church was built some time in the 6th century and was later reconstructed in the 8th century by the catholicos Hovannes III Odzetsi.

Once you walk past the gate the first thing you notice are the numerous gravestones of the clergy scattered around the church and a huge funerary monument on the northern face of the church. The monument itself is about 20 feet high and despite being centuries old you can still see the detail engraved on the stone. Walk around to the south and you’ll encounter even more gravestones and more artistry engraved in the southern portal.

I visited this place in the fall and was fortunate to be present to a youth choir recital going on. There were probably about 25 kids singing and the local media was covering the event. Inside the church what you’d expect to see is there except the ceilings were unusually high. I couldn’t move freely around since it was crowded inside but I did manage to sneak upstairs where the sound crew were hanging out and get some nice images from that height.

The unique thing about Ordzun church is that it is only one of two in Armenia that has a funerary monument. The other is located in Aghudi, the southern region of Armenia in Syunik province. This place is in a very small village and the locals are very nice. The overall architecture of the church is pleasant and if you have time while traveling in northern Armenia check this place out.

Happy traveling.