THE POLISH CHANT AT GEGHARD MONASTERY

The mesmerizing chant of our Polish guests at Geghard Monastery. The place is an acoustical treasure and it has such a spiritual atmosphere, that makes you feel an absolute relaxation and tranquility.

The Geghard Monastery Complex was founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator at the site of a sacred spring inside a cave. Geghard literally means “Monastery of the Spear”. The name of the monastery originates from the spear which had wounded Jesus at the Crucifixion, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin’s Cathedral Museum.

The chamber's acoustics of the Geghard Monastery are remarkable, and perfect for religious chant, which sonorous notes drift across the room and seep into the adjoining areas of the monastery. Geghard was renowned as a musical school and was unique in having among its famous composers a woman, Sahakadukht, who composed and taught at the monastery in the 8th century. In those days women were forbidden to be seen by the monks, but Sahakadukht was so famous for her compositions, that the Church allowed her to teach students at the monastery, hidden behind a curtain.

Visitors and tour groups often bring sacred chanters to Geghard Monastery, so feel free to listen to the exquisite sounds generated from the rooms incredible acoustics. At the back of the gavit, in a lower corner there is a small opening that looks down into the Proshian Sepulcher. It is thought the hole was opened in medieval times so that chanters above could make their music permeate the lower floor.

Video credits: Phoenix Tour Armenia

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