Armenian Church of the Holy Mother of God in Chisinau

Abstract

The documents attest the presence of an Armenian community in Chisinau since the ‘30s of the 18th century. In the 18th century, the Chisinau Armenians had a place of worship, located on the site of the present Armenian Church, in the “heart” of the city, on the first street parallel to the north-east side of the market square. In 1774, among the Chisinau Armenians, the priest Musuz was mentioned, who served in the Armenian Church. The temple was badly damaged by the fire that engulfed Chisinau during the military operations of 1788. The earthquake destroyed this place of worship on October 14, 1802. In 1803-1804, it was rebuilt in the same place. The construction manager and, possibly, the architect of the holy place, was master Vardan from Iaşi. According to the statistical documents of 1809, three priests and four deacons served in the Armenian church. The cemetery of Armenian community was located near the old Orthodox cemetery of the Mazarache church. However, some more important burials were also done in the churchyard of the Armenian church. During the XIX-XX centuries, the church underwent many alterations and renovations, which changed its appearance. In 1993, by the decision of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, this valuable building of Chisinau was given the status of historic monument.