In a recent trip to northwestern Iran, I explored the historic Christian sites of St. Thaddeus, St. Stepanos, and the Shepherd’s Chapel. These ancient churches, built by Armenian Christians, are remarkable for their stunning carvings and frescoes. They sit in a rugged landscape where various ethnic groups, including Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, and Persians, have lived for centuries. These sites not only showcase a rich cultural heritage but also highlight the resilience of a community that has faced numerous challenges over the years.
Despite their beauty and historical significance, these churches are under threat. The Armenian Christian community in Iran, numbering around 200,000, has constitutional protections, including representation in parliament and cultural autonomy. However, the current geopolitical climate poses serious risks. Tensions are rising, particularly with the possibility of military strikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Such actions could lead to chaos, similar to what happened to Iraq’s Christian communities after the 2003 invasion.
The invasion of Iraq resulted in a catastrophic decline of its Christian population, which dropped from over 1.5 million to about 250,000 today. Many churches were destroyed, and the community faced violence and persecution. As calls for military action against Iran grow louder, there are fears that the same fate could befall the Armenian Christians in Iran.
The situation is complicated by regional dynamics involving Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Israel. Azerbaijan has ambitions that threaten the stability of Iran’s borders. Following recent conflicts, Azerbaijan has made aggressive claims over Iranian territory, stoking fears among the Armenian population. Turkey, which supports Azerbaijan, has its own interests in the region, and any destabilization in Iran could put the Armenian community at risk.
Moreover, Israel has been working to weaken Iran by encouraging ethnic divisions. This strategy has raised concerns about the potential for increased violence against minority groups, including Armenians. The ongoing conflicts and aggressive rhetoric from neighboring countries could lead to a dangerous escalation.
As I stood by the Araxes River, which separates Iran from Azerbaijan, I reflected on the ongoing destruction of Armenian culture across the border. Historical sites and monuments have been systematically erased in Azerbaijan, with churches being repurposed or destroyed. This trend raises alarms about what could happen to the Armenian heritage sites in Iran if tensions escalate further.
To protect the Armenian community in Iran, it is crucial for the U.S. to rethink its policies. There is a need for a diplomatic approach that emphasizes stability and religious freedom. Instead of pursuing aggressive military strategies, the U.S. should focus on negotiating agreements that prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while also safeguarding the rights of its minority communities.
The churches of St. Thaddeus and St. Stepanos continue to stand as a symbol of hope and faith amidst uncertainty. As hymns echo through their ancient walls, they remind us of the importance of peace and the need to protect vulnerable communities in a volatile region.