IranMania News, Iran
June 27 2005

Armenians ready to commemorate St. Thaddeus

Monday, June 27, 2005 – ©2005 IranMania.com

LONDON, June 27 (IranMania) – Armenians from Iran and around the world
will gather in Chaldoran Plains, West Azarbaijan province for a special
ceremony on July 6 to commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom
of Saint Thaddeus, an apostle of Jesus Christ who came to preach
Christianity in the early years of the religion, Iran daily reported.

St. Thaddeus arrived in this land in 45 BC to preach Christianity but
was martyred on the orders of the then king Shanadrok, CHN reported.

To prevent the influence of the religion in that region, the king
also killed his own daughter who had embraced Christianity.

St. Thaddeus’ tomb later became a church which was known as ‘Qara
Kelisa’ (Black Church) or St. Thaddeus Cathedral.

The king’s daughter was also buried a short distance from the church.

Armenians from Tehran travel to Chaldoran each year to spend several
days praying and reciting supplications at the church.

During the rituals, Muslims are not permitted into the church which
is located on a hill overlooking Chaldoran Plains near Maku city.

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