Thaddeus Cathedral
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St. Thaddeus (Armenian: Սուրբ Թադէոս վանք , in Azerbaijani, Qara kilsə), is an ancient Armenian church located in the mountainous area of West Azarbaijan Province, about 20 km from the town of Makou and is located in Iran.[1][2] Sourb Thade can be glimpsed from a distance to the massiveness of the church, strongly characterized by 2 cuspidate tambours. Nearby are several chapels, 3 on the hills east of the stream, 1 approximately 3 km south of the monastery on the road to Bastam, and another that also serves as the church for the village of Ghara-Kilise.[3]
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[edit] History & Architecture
One of the 12 apostles, St. Thaddeus, also known as Saint Jude, (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot), was martyred while spreading the Gospel. He is revered as an apostle of the Armenian Church. As legend has it, a church dedicated to him was first built on the present site in AD 68.
Not much appears to remain of the original church, which was extensively rebuilt in the 1329 after an earthquake destroyed the structure in 1319. Nevertheless, some of the parts surrounding the alter date from the 10th century.
Most of the present structure dates from the early 19th century when Qajar prince Abbas Mirza also helped in renovations and repairs. The 19th century additions are from carved sandstone. The earliest parts are of black and white stone.
The church is protected within a thick wall, which also forms the outer ramparts of some abandoned monastery buildings.
 An excellent view of the compound |
 Details of craftsmanship |
 View of masonry |
 Interior view |
[edit] Notable Details
[edit] Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew
The Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew traveled through Armenia in AD 45 to preach the word of God. Many people were converted and numerous secret Christian communities were established there.
Around that time, Abgar died after ruling for 38 years and the Armenian kingdom was split into two parts. His son Ananun crowned himself in Edessa, while his nephew Sanatruk ruled in Armenia. About AD 66, Ananun gave the order to kill St. Thaddeus in Edessa. The king's daughter Sandokht, who had converted to Christianity, was martyred with Thaddeus. Her tomb is located near the Ghara Kelisa.
[edit] Services
It only has one service a year, on the Day of St. Thaddeus (near July first), which is attended by Armenian pilgrims from all over Iran. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran, only Christians have been allowed to visit the church during the ceremonies.
[edit] References
- ^ Index of Armenian Art: Armenian Architecture
- ^ Jude: A Pilgrimage to the Saint of Last Resort By Liz Trotta
- ^ Thadeus Monastery at Armenica
[edit] External links
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