Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin church is one of the oldest churches in Yerevan. Originally it was named after Astvatsatsin (the Virgin). The church was erected in Shaar district of old Yerevan. This place was earlier occupied by the tomb-chapel of St. Anania and the monastic complex which consisted of the church, the chapel, and the residence. The complex was completely restored in1632-35 but in 1679 it was totally destroyed by the earthquake.
The existing Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin church was built from bright-red stones on the same site in 1693.Its interior is distinguished by severity. There are some 17 th – century khachkars cut in the outer walls. The church vestibules are decorated with domed belfries with bells. In 1889 to the northwest from the church the new St. Anania chapel was added. Thanks to the support of Echmiadzin in 1970s the church underwent fundamental reconstruction. The dilapidated walls, the roof, and the gallery for choir were constructed.
The ancient Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin church suffered badly from the destructive earthquake of 1679 and in the end of the 17 th century was restored on the money donated by local residents.
Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin church is a simple basilica. In the hall for prayers there is the main altar and two big columns. The cut khachkars are only decoration of the internal walls of the church. On one of them the name of its author - Keram is cut. The church has two entrances – from the western and the southern sides. Recently, the church has been restored by the Armenian society of historical monuments protection.