Sevanavank Monastery is located on a peninsula of the same name, which once was an island. From the monastery one can admire a breathtaking view of Lake Sevan and the surrounding mountains. The first two churches of the complex were built in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator. The expansion of the monastery is attributed to the Great Lady Mariam and the future Catholicos Mashtots. In his dream, Mashtots received an order from the holy apostles to build a church in their names in the place they showed him. Inspired by Mashtots’ dream, the Great Lady Mariam decided to build two churches – one in the name of the Holy Apostles, and another called Astvatsatsin (“Holy Mother of God”). A seminary still operates near the monastery.