Leader of world Armenians arrives in Isfahan
Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran
May 22 2005
Isfahan, May 22, IRNA — The spiritual Leader of the World Armenians
Archbishop Jasliq Aram I Keshishian arrived in the ancient city of
Isfahan, central Iran, on Sunday.
During his stay in Isfahan, the leader of world Armenians is to
confer with Armenians residing in this city as well as the Friday
prayer leader and the provincial governor general.
Archbishop Jasliq is scheduled to visit the city of Shahin Shahr,
north Isfahan province, and confer with the Armenians in this city.
Armenian settlement in Isfahan dates back to the Safavid era. Most
of the Armenians in Isfahan live in the historical region of Jolfa.
The spiritual leader of the World Armenians arrived in Tehran on
Thursday, May 12 for a 14-day visit. He has already visited Iran
three times.
During his stay in Iran, he has visited Tehran and Markazi provinces
and is currently touring Isfahan before going on to the provinces of
West Azarbaijan and East Azarbaijan.
He also paid tribute to the founder of the Islamic Revolution the
late Imam Khomeini on Thursday, May 19.
The Armenian citizens in Iran enjoy citizenship rights and they are
present on the scene to elevate their country, Iran, said the Armenian
leader last Sunday, May 15 in Arak, Markazi province.
The total number of Armenians around the world stands at 15 million,
he said, adding that the 300,000 Armenians in Iran freely perform
their religious duties.
The religious center of the World Armenians is located in Lebanon and
the center follows up all various issues of the Armenian population
throughout the world, he added.
Archbishop Jasliq Aram I Keshishian conferred with President Mohammad
Khatami in Tehran on last Saturday, May 14.