Artavazik Church

Artavazik Church dates to the 7th century and stands about one kilometer northeast of Byurakan village, on a stony stretch of Mount Aragats' southern slope. No historical text mentions it by name, and no carved inscriptions survive on site — so its story rests entirely on tradition rather than record.

Locally it's also known as Surb Hovhannes (Holy John) or Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). The name Artavazik itself is traced to a man called Artavazd — one account holds him as the reigning king of the time, another as the church's builder — but nothing at the site confirms either claim.

The church lies in Aragatsotn region, about one kilometer northeast of Byurakan village, on the southern slope of Mount Aragats. Yerevan sits roughly 26 km to the southeast, straight-line.