THADDEUS church ( Qara kelisa )

Considered to be amongst the oldest churches in the world, the Qara Kelissa (Turkish for "The Black Church") is one of Iran's oldest and most notable surviving Christian monuments. It is of particular importance to the Armenian Orthodox Iranians.

Also known as St. Thaddeus Church, it is believed by some to have been first built in AD 66 by Saint Jude. Local Armenians believe that he and Simon were both buried here after being murdered along with 3500 people.

It is located in Iranian West Azarbaijan province, near the Chaldoran region in Maku. Due to its remote location, it is somewhat isolated and difficult to get to. Specific coordinates are: 39°5′32.0″N, 44°32′39.7″E, with an elevation of 1861 meters.

One of the 12 disciples, St. Thaddaeus, also known as St. 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 17th century when Qajar prince Abbas Mirza also helped in renovations and repairs. The 17th century addtions 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.

(wikipedia.org)

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[Urartu1]

@lifeofphysics ...St Thaddeus was rebuilt in year 1329 after an earthquake in 1319 over the original church dating back to 10th century.

However, St Stepanos monastery (Maghartavank) just south of Arax river dates back to 9th century.

Both of these historical sites are spectacular world treasures. St Stepanos is in even more remote and hard to get to location.

Having seen both of these monasteries in person is a memory I will treasure for life.

[lifeofphysics]

@Urartu1 but the oldest church is thaddeus

[Urartu1]

Besides St Thaddeus there is even older and more spectacular church of St Stepanos which is located in Khoy.

Iran has always been a participant in preserving these icons of Christianity within its borders, its respect and efforts towards preservation of our churches is fully recognized by us Armenians.

Just recently Iran was able to get St. Thaddeus, St. Stepanos and Dzordzor churches registered on the UNESCO's World Heritage list. Thank you.