Saint Sarkis Cathedral

Saint Sarkis Cathedral (in Armenian: Սուրբ Սարգիս մայր տաճար) is one of the most important and largest Armenian churches in Tehran. It is located on Karimkhan Zand Street, at the start of Nejatollahi Street (the former Villa Street). The church was built in 1349 SH (1970 CE) at the personal expense of Markar Sarkisian, an Armenian philanthropist, and designed by the engineer Eugene Aftandilian. The structure draws on the medieval and modern-era architecture of Armenia, and it is known as the seat of the Prelacy of the Armenians of Tehran. The construction cost about three and a half million tomans. When it was completed, it was consecrated on 9 Ordibehesht 1352 by Khoren I, the Catholicos of the Armenians of the world, in the presence of more than five thousand Armenians from Tehran. After that, the seat of the Tehran Armenian Prelacy was moved from the Church of the Holy Mother of God (Saint Mary) to this new church.

In architectural terms, Saint Sarkis Cathedral is the largest church in Tehran. It measures 36.5 metres in length and 17.8 metres in width, and has a single-nave basilica plan set on a low platform. The exterior of the church is built of white marble, and the interior walls are decorated with paintings inspired by the Bible. In the church grounds there is a memorial to the Armenian martyrs. The church is named after Saint Sarkis, one of the saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church. In the early fourth century CE he was a general in the Roman army and was persecuted for his Christian faith. He took refuge in Armenia with his son Mardiros, but after pressure from the Roman emperor he was expelled from there and joined the army of Shapur II of Iran. Accused of preaching Christianity, Sarkis and his son were killed in Nishapur. A day in the Armenian Church calendar is dedicated to their memory, and special ceremonies for Armenian youth are held on it.

To reach Saint Sarkis Cathedral, you can take the metro to Valiasr Square or Enghelab Square stations and walk a short distance to this religious site. The church is located within the Tehran traffic restriction zone, so using public transport is recommended. The church is usually open from 9 am to 8 pm, and visiting is free of charge.