Armenian monastery of Surb Khach (translated from the Armenian monastery of the Holy cross, or Holy cross monastery), was founded in 1786 by Armenian immigrants from the same monastery near the village of Stary Krym. In turn, the Crimean Surb Khach Church was founded in memory of the destroyed by the Turks the monastery in the city of Ani in Asia Minor.

The founders of the monastery is considered the merchant M. Shahnazaryan and Archimandrite Simon. In 1792, the monastery was consecrated by Archbishop Joseph Argutinsky, and because of this outstanding Church leader became the center of cultural activities among the Armenians of the South of Russia. On abode allotted 50 acres was built the majestic Cathedral in the classical style (the author is not exactly known, but possibly the architect I. Starov). In 1862, was attached the bell tower.

In addition, the monastery was a two-storey Bishop's house, where he eventually occupied by a school, then a Seminary, a guest house and library. On the first floor in 1790-1796 years housed the printing press, first in those days in the South of Russia.

In the process of building on the lands of the monastery have an Armenian village, the gardens were planted into the gardens. From the temple to the river Temernik was built a stone staircase, preserved to our days. Also kept the original building of the chapel "Sachlich-su" ("Coach") over the spring. Near the Church is a memorial cemetery, where repose the monks, professors of the Seminary, outstanding figures of the Armenian culture – M. Nalbandyan, R. Pitkanen, A. Elamaran.

In the temple with a rather ascetic decoration attracts a true cross-stone - stone-Shrine of the eleventh century, brought Armenians from the Crimea. The current Church.

In the monastery since 1972 the Museum of Russian-Armenian friendship. Restoration of the monastery continues.