World oldest church in Iran hosts Eucharist

Ahmadreza Gholipour, governor of Chaldoran, announced the city, house to the world oldest church, is ready to provide health, security and other welfare services for Christian pilgrims from different cities and neighboring countries arriving to participate in the annual ceremony of Eucharist, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).

He said the annual services for Christian pilgrims will be available round the clock for three days.

In the sideline of the religious ceremony, an exhibition of handicrafts will be held where important tourist sites will also be introduced for to the participants.

The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion is reenacted in accordance with Jesus' instruction at the Last Supper, as recorded in several books of the New Testament, that his followers do in remembrance of him as when he gave his disciples bread, saying, "This is my body", and gave them wine saying, "This is my blood."

The Saint Thaddeus Monastery (or Kara Kilise, literally "The Black Church) is an ancient Armenian monastery located in the mountainous area of Iran's West Azerbaijan Province, about 20 kilometers from the town of Maku.

It will host more than 5’000 people from Iran and neighboring countries this year.

HK