450 out of 650 churches of Iran are Armenian

YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS:

The solemn opening ceremony of "Armenian Churches of Iran" exhibition was held today in Armenian Architectures' Union within the frameworks of "Days of Armenian Communities of Iran in Armenia" program organized by Armenian Diaspora Ministry. Director of Center for Historical Churches of Iran Sherley Avetyan said that there are 650 churches in Iran, 450 of which are Armenian, 400 - working.

Sherley Avetyan was awarded with the medal of Armenian Diaspora Ministry. According to Hranush Hakobyan, it is very pleasant that being so young, our Iranian-Armenian compatriot has managed to take such an important mission.

Sherley Avetyan noted that they try to present Armenian churches of Iran, as they are to care for repair and preservation of 450 Armenian churches in Iran. 25 churches are presented at the exhibition. "Preservation of churches is implemented thanks to the efforts of our national authorities, but Iran's state has its contribution, too," the director of the center said.

"In other neighboring countries the condition of Armenian churches is not very favorable, while the issue is quite different in Iran," Sherley Avetyan said.