Amaras Monastery: A Beacon of Armenian Faith and Learning

Amaras Monastery, located near the village of Sos in the Martuni region, is a cherished historical and religious site with deep roots in Armenian history. According to historical accounts, St. Gregory the Illuminator founded the monastery in the early 4th century. His grandson, St. Grigoris, the first bishop of Artsakh, was buried here, further solidifying its importance.The 5th century marked a turning point when Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, established the first school in Artsakh at Amaras, using his newly created script. This made the monastery a vital center for education and the spread of Armenian language and culture. The tomb of St. Grigoris lies beneath the altar of the main church, adding to the site's spiritual significance.Throughout its history, Amaras Monastery has faced numerous invasions and periods of destruction, including raids by Arabs, Mongols, and Tamerlane's forces. Despite these challenges, it was consistently restored, and its school continued to operate. In the 17th century, the monastery underwent significant reconstruction, including the building of strong defensive walls. In the 19th century, after Eastern Armenia was annexed by Russia, it briefly served as a fortress and customs house. The Armenian Apostolic Church reclaimed the monastery in 1848, and in 1858, a new church dedicated to St. Grigoris was constructed on the site of the old one.The monastery complex includes residential quarters, a refectory, and high defensive walls with fortified towers. Today, Amaras Monastery attracts pilgrims and tourists, drawn to its historical importance and religious significance.