Armenian Annual Ceremony Held at Saint Thaddeus Monastery

Among the Armenian churches of Iran, the Monastery of Saint Thaddeus, which is also called “Qarah Kelisa”, has special characteristics. This church has a large area with high walls surrounded by round watchtowers, making it look like a fortress. Due to its historical importance, this church along with the “Chapel of Dzordzo” and “Monastery of Saint Stepanos” has been inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. Apart from its historical value, the annual ceremony held by Armenians has made this monastery of important religious and spiritual value.

When Was Qarah Kelisa Founded?

Some people believe that Qarah Kelisa is the first church in the Christian world and that Thaddeus, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, was buried in it. Based on this view, Thaddeus traveled to this area around the year 40 AD at the invitation of the ruler of the region to propagate Christianity. After the ruler’s death, his successor began to oppose Thaddeus, imposed restrictions on him, and finally executed him along with some of his followers. After Thaddeus was buried, a chapel was built on his grave, which was later on expanded and turned into a large monastery.

There are, however, others who believe that the monastery is the expanded version of the chapel that Saint Thaddeus had built during his presence to preach Christianity and was buried in the same chapel after his martyrdom.

This monastery has been attacked and looted many times, but due to its importance and sanctity, it has been restored every time. One of the most important restorations dates back to the 14th century. According to the inscription that can still be seen next to the old altar of the church, a strong earthquake destroyed the church and the surrounding villages in 1319 AD and sometime later, Bishop Zakaria and two of his brothers, Petros and Sarkis, rebuilt the church over a period of 10 years and opened the doors of the church to the pilgrims of Thaddeus in the year 1401 AD.

The Annual Ceremony Held at Saint Thaddeus Monastery

This monastery is very important and sacred for Armenians. A large number of Armenians take their children to this church for baptism, celebrate, offer sacrifices, and engage in prayers in it.

Every year in the second half of July, which coincides with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Thaddeus, this church hosts a religious ceremony called “Badarak” or Holy Communion. In this ceremony, in addition to visiting the tomb of Thaddeus, Armenian Christians pray and make sacrifices.

This annual ceremony is held over three days, Thursday to Saturday, because according to the Armenians, Thaddeus was martyred on one of these three days. The main programs of this three-day ceremony are held on the last day.

Visit to the Monastery

Undoubtedly, a visit to the Saint Thaddeus Monastery would be a memorable experience, because, in addition to benefiting from its spiritual atmosphere, one can enjoy the unique historical charm of this church, which has been decorated with eye-catching combination motifs of plants, animals, and humans. The two 24 and 18-meter-tall domes of the church have doubled the beauty of these patterns. There are certain chambers around the church where monks and scholars lived in the past. The tomb of “Sandukht”, the wife of the ruler who was executed along with Thaddeus for being a follower of Christianity, is located on a hill near Qarah Kelisa. Visit to Sandukht’s tomb can also be one of the travel plans for tourists.

Saint Thaddeus Monastery is located 270 km from Tabriz, 275 km from Urmia, and about 20 kilometers from the city of Maku.

Since Qarah Kelisa is located in a mountainous and cold region, the best time to visit this place is mid-spring to the end of summer.

Due to its historical importance, this church along with the “Chapel of Dzordzo” and “Monastery of Saint Stepanos” has been inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.