The intimacy of the great leader of the revolution with the Christians during the holy defense period is a proof of the peaceful relationship between Iranians and Armenians/Churches are respected by the people of Iran.

According to Arya Heritage report, Engineer Seyed Ezzatullah Zarghami, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, met and talked with Bishop Sarkisian on the sidelines of his visit to the Holy Sarkis Church in Tehran.

At first, while appreciating the spiritual presence of Bishop Sarkisian in Iran, he said: Iranians are always proud of the presence of Armenian compatriots in their country.

The Minister of Cultural Heritage, while pointing to Bishop Sarkisian’s positive attitude towards Iran, considered the meeting and conversation with him as a reassuring factor regarding the existence of a positive and deep relationship between Iranians and Armenians, and added: “In the Holy Quran, we consider the closest people to us to be Christians, and many Among the verses and traditions of Imams of Athar, which are the axis of movement and belief of Iranians, are related to Maryam, Messiah, and the personalities of the Christian religion.

Engineer Zarghami pointed to verses from Surah Mubaraka Maryam and continued: In the Holy Quran, the presence of Hazrat Messiah (AS) has always been considered a source of blessing and the character of Hazrat Maryam (AS) as a great lady of the human world is very special and outstanding.

The Minister of Cultural Heritage went on to say that Maryam (a.s.) traded her reputation with the Almighty God and stated: Many people are tested by God, but Maryam (a.s.) was tested on her reputation and at this time as well. It was placed at the highest level of victory.

Engineer Zarghami stated that Armenians have always had a good relationship with Iranians throughout the history of Iran, referring to the period of holy defense and the war between Iran and the Baathist regime in Iraq and said: Many of our Armenian compatriots were martyred during the war of right against wrong, and the Supreme Leader The Islamic Revolution also went to their homes many times and had a hearty meal and conversation with them.

He described the images of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution as a religious leader with the Armenians as valuable and stated: Christians had 114 martyrs during the Iran-Iraq war, and this number is very high and valuable compared to their population in Iran.

Emphasizing that Armenian churches are respected by the people of Iran, the Minister of Cultural Heritage added: We have 26 works of world registration in UNESCO, one of which is related to 3 great Armenian churches in Urmia.

At the end of this meeting, Engineer Zarghami, referring to the colorful and positive presence of Christian and Armenian representatives in the Islamic Council, expressed respect and appreciation for their services and efforts for the people of Iran.

Iran is always in my heart

At the beginning of this meeting, while welcoming the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Bishop Sarkisian pointed out the cordial and peaceful relationship between Iranians and Armenians throughout history and said: Iran has always been in my heart and I consider myself among the first class residents of Iran.

He also expressed his satisfaction with his presence in Iran and said: Unlike many countries, a special place has been given to Iranian women and this is one of the distinguishing characteristics of Iranians. Moreover, there is a lot of evidence in history about the positive presence of women alongside men. Whether there is war, peace or prosperity of the country.

Referring to the good relationship between the government and the Armenians, Bishop Sarkisian considered Iran as his second homeland and called it his duty to defend Iran in all international forums.

At the end of this meeting, a book containing miniature paintings of the Qajar era in Armenian, Arabic and Christian languages ​​was presented by Bishop Sarkisian to the Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, and Engineer Zarghami had lunch with Bishop Sarkisian.