St. Sarkis Church (Tsovinar, Gegharkunik, Armenia) Explained

Building Name:Saint Sarkis Church
Սուրբ Սարգիս եկեղեցի
Map Type:Armenia
Map Size:275
Location:Tsovinar, Gegharkunik Province, Armenia
Coordinates:40.1406°N 45.5106°W
Religious Affiliation:Armenian Apostolic Church
Architecture:yes
Architecture Type:Small single-aisle basilica
Architecture Style:Armenian
Year Completed:12th to 13th centuries
Specifications:yes
Dome Quantity:None

The small church of Saint Sarkis (Armenian: Սուրբ Սարգիս եկեղեցի; pronounced Surp Sarkis) is located in the foothills south of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. The structure was built between the 12th to 13th centuries and sits south of the village of Tsovinar on a promontory overlooking a small gorge. It has no dome, and a nearly flat roof covered in living grass. The church was allegedly "rebuilt" in the 20th century, but it is more likely that the roof and some of the stonework had just been repaired. Surrounding Surp Sarkis is a small cemetery of medieval graves, and just below the church in the ravine is a spring and cave.