ICHHTO Gives a Hand in Observing Christian Event

A ceremony and pilgrimage event titled Badarak observed annually in the St. Thaddeus Monastery, also known as Qare Kelisa, in West Azarbaijan Province received a boost this year by enlisting assistance from Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.

The three-day ceremony, which includes votive offerings and sacrifices, the practice of infant baptism and engagement ceremonies, is held annually on July 14-16 by the Armenian diocese in the province.

Since the beginning of the ceremony, ICHHTO’s executive personnel have been contributing through measures such as installing information banners throughout the city and on the roads leading to it and clearing out the rubbish in the Monastery’s surrounding areas, among others, CHTN reported.

In addition, distributing over 5,000 copies of bilingual maps and brochures introducing West Azarbaijan’s tourist spots, cultural and religious programs and also CDs of a documentary of the religious ceremony, have been among the activities to promote the event among the public.

The measures are being taken in cooperation with other institutions, including the governorate, police forces, Red Crescent Society, fire department, Telecommunication Company and Electricity Distribution Company in the province.

According to the public relations department of ICHHTO, the staff will continue contributions until the ceremony’s last day.

Iranian Christians have been carrying out this old tradition annually for well over 60 years, making it the largest gathering of Armenians in Iran.