Students of the "Religious Tourism" master's program and third-year students of the "Theology" bachelor's program at the YSU Faculty of Theology took part in an educational-research expedition on April 11, initiated by the Faculty Student Council President Davit Grigoryan. The field trip focused on the ecclesiastical architecture of the Geghama region, khachkar art, and the history of medieval monasteries.
During the expedition, students were accompanied by faculty members Lusine Tumanyan and Ruzanna Shaboyan, who shared their academic knowledge and organizational experience throughout the program.
The first stop was the Noratus khachkar field, where lecturers introduced students to the distinctive features of khachkar art. The next destination was the renowned Makenyats Monastery, which in the Middle Ages served as a major monastic and educational center. In the 8th century, Soghomon Makenatsi, an influential figure in the Armenian Church, compiled the first Tonakan "Festive Menaion of the Armenian Rite" here.
Following Makenyats Monastery, the group visited Vanevan Monastery in the village of Artsvanist, located amid caves and picturesque natural surroundings. The final cultural and historical site on the itinerary was the Masruts Anapat hermitage.
The educational expedition also provided participants with an opportunity to gain practical experience in organizing and conducting similar academic field programs.
