It was constructed between 1196–99 and commissioned by Ivane I Zakarian, a commander of the Armeno-Georgian Zakarian-Mkhargrzeli family, who was a convert to the Georgian Orthodox Church.

[2] The monastery of Tejharuyk is enclosed by a low stone wall that currently surrounds only sections of the complex.

The basilica is the only relatively intact structure on the grounds and consists of a main hall, gavit, side chapel, and portico that leads into the church.

One in particular holds an image of a church with a drum and dome resting above (left), a cross standing on a stepped plinth (middle), and an individual (separated from the church and cross in a separate "scene") wearing a long tunic, with both arms bent and pointed in the upward direction (right).

Georgian inscriptions in large script can be seen surrounding the walls of the basilica, especially below the decorative molding under the eaves of the roof.