Located in the multicultural city of Tabriz, St. Sarkis Church of Tabriz stands as an enduring symbol of faith and cultural identity. In a city with a predominantly Muslim population, this Armenian Apostolic church represents the deep historical roots and religious heritage of Iran’s Armenian community.
St. Sarkis Church was originally constructed in 1821 and later underwent careful restoration in 1845. The church is situated within the grounds of the Tamarian School, forming part of a broader cultural and educational complex.
Despite its relatively modest architectural scale, the church was built in memory of an earlier Armenian place of worship that once stood in Azar Shahr, preserving a spiritual connection to the Armenian past of the region.
St. Sarkis Church of Tabriz features distinctive Armenian architectural elements within a traditional cruciform layout. The church has entrances on its northern, eastern, and southern sides, enhancing accessibility and symmetry. Constructed primarily of stone, the structure is crowned with brick domes that add elegance to its exterior.
The main dome rises above the central hall and is supported by four solid stone pillars, which also separate the congregation space from the altar and adjacent prayer chambers. At the entrance, visitors encounter finely crafted wooden doors and interior paintings depicting Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, adding spiritual depth to the sacred space.
Within the church courtyard, along the eastern wall, stands a memorial structure dedicated to Armenian martyrs. This monument is adorned with refined stone carvings that symbolize sacrifice, memory, and resilience. Additional memorial stone inscriptions can be found throughout the courtyard, serving as lasting tributes to generations of the Armenian community.
St. Sarkis Church of Tabriz remains an active place of worship, welcoming members of the Armenian Christian community. As a living religious site, access for visitors may be subject to local regulations and religious considerations.
You can also see recent celebrations and events at St. Sarkis Church of Tabriz on Mehr News Agency.
Mehr News – Celebration of Jesus Christ’s Birth in Tabriz St. Sarkis Church