KAYARGAST, OR SEVEN CHURCHES. 
631 
it as a place of pilgrimage. Several ancient martyrs are buried 
there, whose names now only live in the book of heaven ; but 
the great point of interest with the present worshippers, lies in 
the belief that Saint Gregory himself (the great tutelar angel of 
Armenia) took refuge from persecution within the caves of this 
holy ground. The legend goes further, in asserting that he not 
only disappeared thence in a most mysterious way, but, though 
all know his journey was to heaven, yet he is to revisit the spot 
again, and then, most inexplicably expire. Several of my escort, 
being Armenians in faith as well as birth, found themselves now 
engaged in a double duty ; that of military service, and paying 
their homage at the sacred shrine. This is done in the form of 
sacrifice, the pilgrims taking a sheep or goat to the door of the 
church, where they cut off its head ; when, the remainder of the 
flesh being thus consecrated, it is divided amongst them, and 
carried home to be distributed in holy morsels to their respective 
friends. This custom is evidently of Jewish, or pagan origin ; 
and the probability of its having been adopted here, from some 
old custom of the sort attached to the valley by its old heathen 
masters, is something supported by the devotees not being able 
to say why they do it, or that it is enjoined by any ordinance 
of their religion. 
The outward boundaries of this venerable pile are castellated, 
one side of which is formed by the high rocks of the mountains. 
Within the walls, rises the great church, inclosing under its dome 
most of the seven from which it takes its name. On entering, you 
find a line of separation, that makes two chapels. They are sup¬ 
ported by strong columns and circular arches, exactly resembling 
in forms and ornaments, our Saxon architecture. The sides of 
this sanctuary are overspread with large slabs, fixed against the 
