Regnum, Russia –
Sept 1 2006

Grave of Apostle Matthew, possibly, found in Armenian monastery on
Issyk-Kul Lake

Kyrgyz archeologists are sure that they have found the grave of
Apostle Matthew in the Armenian monastery on the shore of Issyk-Kul
lake, says archeologist Vladimir Ploskikh.

He says that this summer his expedition carried out excavations on
the north-eastern shore of Issyk-Kul and found the Armenian
monastery, which, according to a map of XIV, is the place where
Apostle Matthew is buried.

The legend says that Apostle Matthew died on his way to Greece after
founding several Christian communities en route. The document kept in
Venice says that there is an Armenian monastery in the place called
`Issyk-Kul’ and it is there that Apostle Matthew is buried.

However, Ploskikh says that they need additional research to prove
this fact, reports the Kyrgyz service of Radio Liberty.