Momik

Momik (Vayots Dzor, ; died 1333) was an Armenian architect, sculptor and a master artist of Armenian illuminated manuscripts. As a sculptor, Momik is also known for his fine carving of khachkars, found primarily at the monastery complex at Noravank. He held an eminent position at the Gladzor School of Illuminated Manuscripts in Syunik, established at Vayots Dzor under the patronage of the Orbelian family's historian, Stepanos Orbelian. Of the manuscripts authored by Momik, only several survive: one is found at the repository of the Mekhitarist Order in Vienna and three others are found at the Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan, Armenia. Momik falls in love with the beautiful daughter of Orbelyan prince. The prince pledges to wed the girl to the Master under the stipulation that Momik can construct a splendid temple within a brief timeframe. As the completion of the monastery construction approached, the prince instructed his servant to obstruct Momik from fulfilling his condition by any means necessary.

The servant secretly climbs up to the foreman working on the dome of the monastery, pushes him and throws down. The Master is buried in the fallen place, in the yard of the monastery he built, and the construction of the dome is completed by his students.

Momik's works Remains of his works:

Books Four handwritten Gospels: the Gospels of 1292, 1302 (or the Gospel of Stepanos Orbelyan), 1283 (unsigned), the collection of 1283-84.

Sculptures The Cross stone of 1308 in Noravank, the image of the Mother of God and the Child in Areni church (1321), the sculptures of the Mother of God and God the Father in the porch of Noravank. He also carved a cross-stone for Lady Tamta Zakarian.

Architectural structures The vestibule of the Noravank church, the Areni church, the two-story tomb-church of Prince Burtel in Noravank, Zorats church of Yeghegis, and St. Grigor's church of Tatev are also attributed to him.

Supposedly: The design and partial construction of Burtelashen Church