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Countries: Asia, Middle East
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All Savior's
Cathedral
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| Iran,
City of Isfahan, New Julfa
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All Savior's Cathedral is the most
outstanding monument in New Julfa. It is located in the center of
Big Square Parish. Cathedral is the seat of Ecclesiastical Council
of Gregorian Armenian for Isfahan and Southern Iran, with Archbishop
as chairman.
Gregorian Church is independent Christian Communion named for St.
Gregory, the Illuminator, and is among the most ancient of Orthodox
Christian communions. Through centuries, it has maintained its
independence in hierarchy and is sacred liturgy, while it has always
shown a policy of ecumenical friendship with all Christian
communions.
Cathedral was began in 1606, at the time of arrival of Armenian
immigrants to Isfahan. Prior to its completion, there was small
church, which served as the center of Gregorian Christianity in
Persia. Over the foundation of that small church, the magnificent
high altar of Cathedral was built in 1655. Cathedral's design and
construction were overseen by Archbishop David and it was completed
in 1664.
Alter of Cathedral is named for St. Josef of Arimathia. Relics of
that great saint are preserved within the altar. The soaring walls
and splendid arches and domes of the building are indented to edify
the spirit of the viewer.
From the tiled lower portions of the walls to the ceiling are oil
paintings and gilded carvings, which represent the story of god's
revelation throughout Old and New Testaments and history of the
triumph of St. Gregory, the Illuminator, over his persecutors. They
illustrate the biblical narrative from the Creation to triumphant
Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This work was completed in the years
1660-1670, under the financial sponsorship of Khoja Avetic; his
portrait is shown on the pillar in church corridor.
In the cellar, under the main apses, are entombed the remains of two
archbishops:
Khachatour Kesaratzi, who founded Armenian Press of New Julfa, and
David, builder of the altar of Cathedral.
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Monuments
of Isfahan
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