Surp Sarkis Church: a gem in the heart of your history
Surap Sarkis Church, which is also known as Holy Sarkis Church, is a relic of the ups and downs of Iran’s history, which is located 3 km from Khoi city in West Azarbaijan province. This church dates back to the 4th century AD and it has been around for 1600 years.
History:
Surp Sarkis Church is attributed to Sarkis Gabadokian, one of the Christian missionaries in the third century AD, who was martyred by Sassanid Shapur. The construction of this church began during Sarkis’s lifetime and was completed after his martyrdom.
Architecture:
Surap Sarkis Church was built with stone and brick materials and with a rectangular plan. The high walls of the church show its strength and stability. The dome of the church is located in its center and the light of the church is supplied through eight small openings in the south and three other openings in the east, as well as a window in the west of the church. Six stone pillars are placed inside the church.
Patterns:
Some of the stones of the church are decorated with religious motifs, flowers and bushes and slimy with warm colors. The altar of the church is also decorated with religious paintings.
Importance:
Surp Sarkis Church is very important. This church is one of the oldest churches in Iran and is an important source for historical and cultural studies of Christians in Iran. This church is also one of the important tourist attractions of Khoi city.
Surp Sarkis Church is a good place to learn about the history and culture of Christians in Iran and enjoy the religious architecture.
