Vardan Vardapet at the Surb Arakelots Monastery of Mush

This historical photograph shows Vardan Vardapet in the courtyard of the Surb Arakelots (Holy Apostles) Monastery in the city of Mush. According to the source, beside him are the tombs of the great commanders of the Mamikonyan house, Mushegh Mamikonyan and Vahan Mamikonyan. Vardan Vardapet was the last guardian of the monastery: a clergyman, a defender of the national liberation struggle and a supporter of the fedayi units.

The old man with a long white beard, wearing a cap and a dark robe and holding a walking stick, stands beside a small stone structure with an arched entrance. Next to him, on a large base, are two tall carved stone steles.

The Surb Arakelots Monastery was the spiritual heart of the Mush plain.