Armenian artists from Iran to present their works at Qara KelisaJune 23, 2009 - 02:06 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's West-Azarbaijan Province is to hold an exhibition at Qara Kelisa, presenting artifacts created by the country's Armenian artists.The event, to be held from July 22 to 26, will display various forms of handicrafts and artistic creations on the theme of "church", chnpress reports. Organized by the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism office in West-Azarbaijan Province, the exhibition will commemorate the martyrdom of one of the apostles of Jesus, Saint Thaddeus, who constructed Qara Kelisa (Black Church) in 68 CE. Every year scores of Armenians, Assyrians and Catholics from Iran and other countries visit the church to commemorate the martyrdom of Saint Thaddeus and his followers. Perched on a mountain ridge south of the city of Maku, Qara Kelisa is one of the oldest and most notable surviving Christian monuments of Iran and carries great significance for the country's Armenian Orthodox community, presstv.com reported. Armenians believe the church is the world's first church and was constructed by Saint Thaddeus, after he traveled to Armenia, then part of the Persian Empire, to preach the teachings of Christ. Qara Kelisa has been registered as the ninth Iranian historical-cultural heritage site on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) World Heritage List. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |