Surb Astvatsatsin or "Seven Wounds” is a unique and impressive church in the central square of Gyumri, which was constructed in 1882-1887 by the initiative of Catholicos Gevorg V (Surenyants). Previously in the place of "Seven wounds” church was a chapel where the icon "Seven Sorrows of the Holy Mother of God" was kept. The church operated even during the Soviet times, together with the Mother Cathedral in Etchmiadzin when all the other churches in the republic were closed. Moreover, three churches were operating at the same time: the Armenian Apostolic, the Armenian Catholic, and the Russian Orthodox. At first, when visiting the temple, it seems to be an Orthodox church, as the visitor sees a magnificent altar. The saints are depicted in gold on an azure background. The church has five different altars: The main altar serves the Armenian Apostolic Church, the altar of the Holy Seven Wounds serves the Orthodox Church, the altar of the Holy Trinity serves the Catholic Church, and the altar of St. Sarkis is intended for Assyrians. There are two additional altars on the second floor of the church.
Today Surb Astvatsatsin Church is one of the main places to visit in Gyumri. In the courtyard of the church priests-victims of the Stalinist dictatorship are buried. In the yard are the two small domes of the church, which were destroyed during the terrible earthquake of December 7, 1988.