After moving to a new school, I took part in an organized tour. We headed to Havuts Tar, one of the oldest monasteries in Armenia. It is located in the Kotayk region, on the top of a mountain between Garni and Geghard, on the banks of the Azat River. According to legend, the foundation of this monastery is associated with the name of Saint Sahak Parta Mesrop Mashtots. It was also called the Armenian Throne, Savior and other names. Grigor Magistros built in this monastery in 1013 the Church of the Holy Savior, which was later destroyed by earthquakes. We arrived at the monastery, which took about two and a half hours. On the way, we admired the beautiful nature, enjoyed the clean mountain air. This monastery was known back in the Middle Ages for the fact that a carved wooden cross «Savior» was kept here. This cross has an interesting history, the Byzantine emperor Vasil is a gift to King Gagik I, who, in turn, presented it to Havuts Tar (now kept in Holy Etchmiadzin). In the 13th century, Khavuts Tar became the largest educational and cultural center in the world of Ayrarat, as well as a center of great writing, and ancient manuscripts were created here.
Հրայր Հովսեփյան 