Diocese of Aragatsotn

The Diocese of Aragatsotn is an Armenian Apostolic Church diocese that administers religious communities across the Aragatsotn Province with its headquarters based in Ashtarak. The diocese oversees a network of twenty-nine churches and nine chapels throughout the region.

The diocese received formal establishment on May 30, 1996, under Catholicos Karekin I following Armenia's restructuring of church administration after Soviet independence. This creation reflected the Armenian Apostolic Church's reorganization to align with the nation's new territorial boundaries.

The Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan functions as the cathedral where you can observe regular services and Armenian Orthodox ceremonies throughout the year. This church shapes how the local community practices its faith and maintains religious traditions in daily life.

The churches and chapels administered by the diocese are distributed across the Aragatsotn Province, requiring planning if you wish to visit multiple locations within the region. It helps to check locally for current opening hours and directions before visiting each site.

The diocese oversees two medieval monastery complexes, Hovhannavank built in 1216 and Saghmosavank built in 1221, both outstanding examples of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture. These ancient religious sites showcase centuries of architectural continuity within the Armenian church tradition.