Also called the "village" or "peasant" church, Astvatsatsin is in the heart of Echmiadzin, yet often neglected on visits, which is a shame, since it amply shows how the vast majority worshipped, denied access to the grander monasteries nearby. It also houses a beautiful Rococo style altar, the only of its kind in Armenia. and hold one of the most elegant altars in Armenia, a work of Italianate art in itself.

First consecrated in 1767, Astvatsatsin became known as giughi vank (gioogh-EE vahnk, village church), a place of worship for the common folks who did not have a church to use for weddings or baptisms since Echmiadzin, Guyaneh and Hripsimeh were reserved for the Holy See or as monasteries and seminaries.

The original church was built from wood, and was replaced in the 19th century with tuf walls imbedded with khachkars from the same period. Beginning the end of the 19th century, the church fell into disrepair, especially during the Soviet period when it was used as a storage shed.

The Katoghikos Vazgen I initiated a period of church reconstruction throughout the country, including Astvatsatsin which was reconsecrated in 1986. The bell tower was added in 1982.

Astvatsatsin is very much a village church, with locals visiting to light candles, pray or rest. The most striking part of the church is the altar, which was designed in the Italian Baroque style using marble and gilded wood. The sky blue and white paint with gold leaf lend a bit of extravagance to an otherwise simple building, and is unlike any other altar in Armenia.

The church itself is a pleasant space of clean and simple lines, with baptismal font and pillars adorned with simple 19th - 20th centuries paintings of Ss. Poghos (Paul) and Petros (Peter), and Christ. Two 19th century paintings in the church by the Hovnatan brothers are Srapion and Markar. The large Virgin and Child was painted by Yeghisheh Tatevosian.

From the front of the church, either retrace your steps to Komitas H’raperak, or go south on the small side street between the church and the Arevtri Tun to Atarbekian Poghots and cross the street. Take any entrance into the park facing you.