According to historian Stepan Orbelyan, Bishop Hakob I traveled from Prince Pilipé of Syunik to a spring called Varáraqn in the Dzagedzor region. After enduring many hardships, he reached the place known as Tsakut, located across from the Tatev Monastery. He then transformed the area into a vast garden of roses and fruit trees, also planting vineyards. He leveled the hill-like terrain and built a church on that site. The church had a dome and was richly decorated with frescoes. The bishop left behind a manuscript inscription stating that the construction was completed in 932 AD.

The church was built of finely cut basalt stones and featured a domed design. Two pairs of large engaged columns were attached to the longitudinal walls. It had a rectangular apse with a semi-circular floor, approximately 30 cm deep. The only entrance was on the western side. The church’s arches and supporting arches were horseshoe-shaped. One of the unique features of the church is its altar design, which is considered rare among Armenian monuments. The altar combines a rectangular structure with a semi-circular floor, forming a harmonious whole.

Unfortunately, the church’s dome, vaults, and eastern wall have collapsed, and almost none of the original frescoes have survived. There was also a water spring nearby, which had served locals for centuries. Today, the church area resembles its ancient state—rocky and overgrown with thorns—hence the origin of its name.