Garo Nalbandian

Elegant geometric designs frame a multicolored bird in a mosaic floor on the eastern section of the nave of the main church. Dated to the 11th century, the floor is thought to be part of the renovations undertaken by the Greek monk Prochorus. In technique, form and ornamental motif, however, the floor closely resembles others dating to the Byzantine era in Palestine (fourth to seventh centuries A.D.).