TABRIZ, Iran—The government of Iran has expressed readiness to restore three Armenian churches in the Teghmout (Zangmar) River basin.
The Prelate of the Atrpatakan Prelacy, Bishop Krikor Chiftdjian, addressed the Arax River Economic Zone Department for Protection of Cultural and Religious Monuments with a request to help uphold the integrity of Armenian Church architecture, reported the Blagovest-Info news agency.
Iran has seven free economic zones, in use for economic and tourism development. The Armenian Church owns multiple sections of land in the area, including three churches — St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Sarkis, and St. George.
As Iranian authorities are preparing for restoration, the Armenian Prelacy suggested that the authorities involve Armenian experts, an offer which officials say will be considered.
An agreement has already been reached, which stipulates that upon completion of the renovations, the three churches will be included in the area’s tourism routes.
Currently, there are 25 Armenian churches in Iran, with 11 of them operating mainly in Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan.
An Islamic theocratic country restoring Christian churches, no wonder the world is in such disarray.
well? why not? what is religion any way? human relationship and co-existence is far more important than believing in some muboo jumboo hokos pokos! it is just like belonging to different sports clubs!!
Thank you Iran.
Iran has always supported the Armenians. Even during the Persian Empire Iranians supported and helped Armenians living in Iran.
You forget the fact that Shah Abbas forcibly relocated 500,000 Armenians to Iran as slaves. Not by choice, but as slaves who could not mingle with the local population and had to live within their quarters. Just one of the many ways how our lovely neighbors divided and conquered us. Thank you for the lovely support Iran!
Thank you IRAN.
God bless Iran and Armenia. Their historical ties and cultural/philosophical and moral backgrounds are appreciated and are the same.
Iran has been a good friend of Armenians for centuries. This project is a good additional proof of togetherness and harmony.
“You can sanction a Lion, but show respect, Lion’s integrity is still intact”.