The Vank Cathedral was one of the first churches to be established in Isfahan by Armenian immigrants settled by Shah Abbas I after the Ottoman War of 1603-05.Posted on 01/02/2011 5:59:20 PM PST by sionnsar
The Vank Cathedral was one of the first churches to be established in Isfahan by Armenian immigrants settled by Shah Abbas I after the Ottoman War of 1603-05.
Church construction is believed to have begun in 1606, and completed with major alterations to design between 1655 and 1664 under the supervision of Archbishop David.
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Vank means “cathedral” in the Armenian language.
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The cathedral consists of a domed sanctuary, much like a Persian mosque, but with the significant addition of a semi-octagonal apse and raised chancel usually seen in western churches. The cathedral’s exteriors are in relatively modern brickwork and are exceptionally plain compared to its elaborately decorated interior.
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The interior is covered with fine paintings and gilded carvings and includes a wainscot of rich tile work. The delicately blue and gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of creation of the world and man’s expulsion from Eden.
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The cathedral has greatly influenced the architecture and decorative treatment of many subsequent and smaller Orthodox churches in the entire Persian-Mesopotamian region.
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At a corner of the large courtyard of the cathedral, offices and halls have been built to accommodate guests, the Esfahan archbishop and his retinue, as well as other important Armenian religious hierarchy in Iran.
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The church compound also includes a museum that is located in a separate building. The museum displays preserved historical records and relics, and the edicts of Iranian kings dating back to the time of Shah Abbas the First. It also contains an interesting collection of art work.
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Esfahan has other historical churches, the most important of which is the Church of Beit-ol Lahm (Bethlehem) at Nazar Avenue. There are also the Saint Mary church at Jolfa Square and the Yerevan church in the Yerevan area.
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Vank is also known as The Church of the Saintly Sisters.
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Armenian Diaspora
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Jolfa in Isfahan – Armenian Churches and Armenians in Iran
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Photo Sources: Amirmassoud Abri from IIPA & Azizallah Moshfeghi from Bornanews
ping
God bless them. I hope they can survive.
I am sure it's not easy, but this cathedral has been there.. what, 3-1/2 to 4 centuries? Christianity remains a presence in Iran, even on the surface.
Stunning photographs.
Tradition just oozes from those pictures.
Doesn't it? And these folks are so clearly Iranians.
Wow..thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures
You are welcome. This is part of the Iran you don’t hear about often.
You sure don’t :)
Beautiful.
Note the man in the grey suit wearing the necktie forbidden in Iran, which could get him a rope one if push comes to shove.
What grim conditions under which to live and practice your beliefs. Reflects in faces of those shown and a bit uncomfortable at being photographed.
There should be a similar or more lavish ceremony on January 6th or 7th, the Armenian Christmas Day
BTW the photo posted on FR the other day on a shop in Tehran with Xmas decorations is an old one and at best from 2008 and probably from earlier than that. There are some who try to show that Christianity is tolerated in Islamic Iran.Less and less so with every passing year.
BTW they have also banned Valentine celebrations in 2012
The millions of Orthodox Armenians inside Iran are more of a force to be reckoned with so are given a bit more leeway.
these are saints....similar to early Christians.....God bless them and maybe send some of their courage to the rest of us......
Did not GOD promise that he will make a way in the desert ? waters where there is no water ? make trees grow where it is impossible for it to grow ?
Did not GOD promise that he will make a way in the desert ? waters where there is no water ? make trees grow where it is impossible for it to grow ?
Truly Awe inspiring.
Blessed be His Holy Name!
And Blessed be His Saints!
Thanks.
ping to this beautiful Armenian church in Iran.
How absolutely uplifting!!!! I wish my Orthodox brothers and sisters the very best and heavenly blessings! May the Lord protect them...
Eleni
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