With allocations from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, consolidation and cleaning works on the fresco of the St. Sion Church of the Shativank monastic complex in Vayots Dzor Province (17th century) are being carried out in 2026.

As a result of monitoring in 2024, it was recorded that the monastic complex is in an emergency condition, and that the frescoes of St. Sion Church are also in a deplorable state, being almost invisible due to soot, dirt, vandalism, and rainwater on the walls.

In 2025, with funds allocated by the state, a tender was announced for the preparation of scientific-design documentation for the restoration of the fresco. The scientific-design documents prepared by the winning company “Restart-1” (fresco restoration specialist: Avetis Stepanyan) were submitted, in the prescribed manner, to the working group on monumental art monuments attached to the ministry for approval.

In 2026, the consolidation and cleaning works of the frescoes of St. Sion Church began; the restoration is being carried out by the sole proprietor “Nikolay Mikhaylov,” recognized as the winner of the tender.

As a result of the consolidation and cleaning works of the frescoes of St. Sion Church, after removing the thick soot and melted candle wax, scenes and ornaments of Christian medieval mural painting in vivid colors have been uncovered. Particularly interesting is the portrait of Christ depicted in the “Last Supper” scene—with a red halo, a blue cloak, his right hand raised in blessing, and his face turned toward the viewer. In Christ’s portrait, the image of the right hand stands out for its color subtlety.

Unfortunately, not all the frescoes of St. Sion Church have been preserved; however, from the partially uncovered sections of the frescoes that have survived to us and are currently being restored, it may be inferred that the artist depicted the scenes within an ornamental frame, explaining each scene with an adjacent inscription, which is characteristic of Christian medieval art. According to the project, the restoration work on the frescoes will be completed at the end of this year.

With funds allocated by the state, the excavation, consolidation, repair, and restoration works of the Shativank monastic complex are being carried out for the second year already and will continue in the coming years.