SURP HOVHANNES CHURCH NARLIKAPI

It was built in 1807, during the reign of Patriarch Hovhannes XI. Narlıkapı Hospital was also located on the same site. The church was built under the leadership of Garabed Amira Aznavurian, in collaboration with Başbezirgan Mütevelli Hacı Hovhannes Ağa and charitable locals. It was first repaired in 1835. Initially, sea waves battered the church walls, and the coastal road, built in 1955, separated the church from the sea. During Patriarch Şınorhk’s reign, it was rebuilt in stone in 1962, with the architect Yetvart Şahbaz, and was consecrated and opened for worship in 1964. A hall overlooking the sea was also built above the entrance. Before Surp Pırgiç Hospital, an asylum-hospital was located in the basement of this church. Mentally ill patients were treated there under inappropriate conditions. One time, during a service, mournful cries were heard. This distressing situation disturbed Harutyun Amira Bezciyan, and the idea of establishing a new hospital was born. Thus, the congregation acquired Surp Pırgiç Hospital.

The church’s final restoration was completed in 2006, and it was opened for worship by His Holiness Patriarch Mesrob II.