Iranian Christians Celebrate New Year at Vank Cathedral in Isfahan

Emil Lazarian 2019
Tasnim News Agency, Iran
Jan 1 2019


Iranian Christians Celebrate New Year at Vank Cathedral in Isfahan (+Photos)

  • January, 01, 2019 – 16:48
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– Society/Culture news –

The hub of Iranian Armenian life in the Jolfa of Isfahan has come to life with New Year lights.

Jolfa is in the south of the city and was built during the reign of Shah Abbas I (1571-1629). Most of its residents were Armenians who were turned out of Jolfa on the banks of Aras River in Azerbaijan and moved here. They also named their new home away from home Jolfa. One of the most visited tourist attractions here is the Vank Church, where Iranian Armenians celebrate New Year by praying for "a world full of peace" without wars.

View photos at

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS