Armenian Iranians mark Christmas

Iranian Armenians mark the New Year on January first, but they observe Christmas on January 6.

Most of the Christians in Iran are Armenians who have lived here for centuries. Assyrians, Catholics, Protestants, and Evangelical Christians constitute the rest of the Christians in Iran.

Armenians follow the Oriental Orthodox denomination of Christianity and accordingly, celebrate Christmas a few days after the New Year. 

Here are some photos showing how these religious minorities perform rituals and prayers, including the Eucharist, for Christmas at Bethlehem Church in the Iranian province of Isfahan.

Armenians have mainly gathered in the Majidieh neighborhood in Tehran, and the Jolfa neighborhood in Isfahan.

AG/AG