Overlooking the River Yeghegis in a small village of the same name lies a structure completely unique to those found in Armenia - a church with no inner hall. Instead, the Zorats Church with its unusually high altar opens to an open, western expanse. The reason is simple, yet requires brief backstory. In the 13th century, at the height of the Orbelian Dynasty in southern Armenia, turbulent times were underway. As a tributary of the Mongols and at constant threat of the Mamluks to the west, Yeghegis was the forefront of sending out warriors for battle.

The Zorats Church was constructed for a very specific purpose - to send out a blessing for the troops heading to battle. Therefore, the open setting of the church and the raised altar meant soldiers on horseback could receive that blessing without even dismounting their loyal steed. This is also the first and only church in Armenia built for this purpose.