SIRUN KHACH (BEAUTIFUL CROSS)

Location. This cross-stone rises on the wooded edge of a gorge extending on the left bank of the river Marts, within about 0.5 km of Bardzrakash Monastery, 2 km north-east of Dsegh Village, Lori Region, Republic of Armenia (Tashir District of Gugark Province, Armenia Maior), at an altitude of 1,202 metres above sea level (N 40°58´14.52´´; E 044°40´09.66´´).

A Historical Introduction. The cross-stone was erected in the days of the princes Mamikonian, in the 13th century by a certain Hayradegh in memory of his parents, Aslanbek and his soul.

Name Origin. The high artistic merits of this lonely cross-stone have earned it the name of Sirun Khach (Beautiful Cross) amidst the local people. It was one of prominent Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanian’s favourite monuments.

Description. The ornate cross-stone (dimensions: 240 x 100 cm, height together with the pedestal: 4.27 metres), which is remarkable for its elegant ornamentation, is sculpted of light brown felsite tuff and rises on a three-step base of dark bluish hewn basalt.