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Orumiyeh, West Azarbaijan prov, June 24, IRNA -- Some 3,500 world
Armenians gathered at Qara-Kilisa church in the city of Chaldoran in
West Azarbaijan province on Saturday to mark the 50th death
anniversary of one of the disciples of Jesus Christ (AS), the holy
Tatavos.
photo: ISNA
The world Armenians have been annually holding memorial services
for the holy Tatavos at Qara-Kilisa church to commemorate the
anniversary of the Armenians pilgrimage to Tatavos church and the
martyrdom of Tatavos since 1954.
At this year's ceremony, the message of the leader of Armenian
Catholicosate of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I, was read by West
Azarbaijan's Armenian archbishop, which focused on family affairs,
proper education of the youth and the impact of church on the
families and the youth.
photo: ISNA
The message said, "Given the current threat of drug addiction
facing the community, the families should pay special attention to
family relations."
Underlining the role of Jesus in the education of young people
as a symbol of affection, honesty and sincerity, the message
further pointed out that the churches should focus on the youth
problems.
In his message, the Lebanese spiritual leader called for close
cooperation with Iran concerning reconstruction of Saint Stepanos
and Qara-Kilisa churches in Julfa and Chaldoran respectively.
Meanwhile, he called on the Armenians and the world religious
minorities to continue pilgrimage to the holy Tatavos church and
observe the relevant religious rites.
The ceremony was followed by a seminar on family affairs held by
the officials, specialists and instructors from Tehran, Isfahan and
Tabriz universities.
This year's memorial ceremony was also attended by a number of
Armenians from the US, Austria, Armenia, Cyprus, Lebanon and Syria.
The Armenian Archbishop from Cyprus Varoujan Hergelian
representing His Holiness Aram I also attended this year's ceremony.
During the memorial ceremony in Qara-Kilisa church, the
ttending Armenians pay tribute to the shrine of the holy Tatavos,
pray and make special sacrifice.
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