Saint Thaddeus Church, Masis

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Saint Thaddeus Church in Masis, Ararat Province, Armenia, is an Armenian Apostolic church. The site was chosen in 1991 by Vazgen I, with a ground blessing that year. Construction began in 2003, funded by philanthropist Hrant Vardanyan. The church was completed in 2015 by his sons Mikayel and Karen Vardanyan and named after the Apostle St. Thaddeus. It was consecrated on October 4, 2015 by Catholicos Karekin II.

Inside, the candle-lighting hall is at the entrance, and there is a memorial fountain for Hrant Vardanyan in the yard. On April 24, 2016, a khachkar honoring 1.5 million Armenian Genocide martyrs was installed, carved from tuff by Artak Hambardzumyan.

In 2021, the Diocese of Masyatsotn was founded and Saint Thaddeus Church became its chancery. In 2025, the second floor of the chancery was built, and the candle-lighting hall was rebuilt and expanded with 12 icons.

The church was designed by architects Artur and Anahit Tarkhanyan, blending Armenian church tradition with modern design. It features triple steps, and a space formed by two intersecting squares symbolizing eternity and faith. The dome rests on semi-crossing arches. Exterior and interior have a unique cladding with color gradation—center to edges lighten, base to dome darker. The church stands about 33 meters tall (excluding the cross), symbolizing Jesus’ 33 years on Earth. The walls feature 33 biblical commandments engraved around the church.