CHURCH OF EREROUK

On the outskirts of the village of Yereruk is the eponymous church of Eeruk, one of the oldest in Armenia. In spite of its very dilapidated appearance, this large basilica-type construction, erected on a podium of a few steps, does not lack elegance. It is rich in information about the genesis of Christian arts in Armenia and the transition from paganism to Christianity in architecture. Indeed, it gives a very precise idea of the early ages of Armenian architecture, influenced in the 6th century by early Christian monuments, especially in Roman Syria. Flanked by four square chambers or apses, the external façades of this large rectangular hall, whose vault was supported by a double row of three columns, still show a richly sculpted decoration, characteristic of the Early Christian period in the Near East. The porches are framed by pediments in Greco-Roman style, the walls reinforced by pilasters with capitals richly decorated with plant motifs. A heritage that is nevertheless fragile, all the more so as it is far from the tourist circuits. Armenian specialists sounded the alarm in 2017 to draw the attention of the international community to the threats to this endangered masterpiece dating from the early ages of Christianity. But while the church is of great interest, it is on the other side of the Akhurian, and the Ani site, that the eyes of residents and visitors are focused.