Another discovery has been recorded during excavations being conducted on the territory of the 17th-century Anapat Church within the Old Khndzoresk historical and cultural reserve in Armenia.

A tombstone was uncovered in front of the church altar, on which is written: “This is the tomb of Theologian Khachatur Vartapet | ՌՃՀԸ [i.e. the year1729].”

The Anapat Church was an important center of Armenian writing and spiritual culture in the Middle Ages.

Architecturally, it is a rectangular vaulted hall with a semicircular altar, on both sides of which there are twin vestries.

The vaulted roof of the church has completely collapsed, but a section of the eastern wall and the northern entrance—with an arched nave—have been preserved.

The excavations are being carried out by the Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reservations of Armenia, and the expedition is led by archaeologist Artavazd Zakyan.

The excavations there will continue until September 14.