Iran is in the news, again….is this the time that the Mullahs are finally overturned? Hard news is difficult to come by, so we try to glean as much as possible from various reliable sources.
Catholic churches in Iran primarily belong to Eastern rites, mainly the Chaldean Catholic Church (Aramaic liturgy) and the Armenian Catholic Church, with a much smaller Latin (Roman) Rite presence, mostly for foreigners, with key locations in Tehran, Urmia, Isfahan, and Ahvaz, offering spiritual centers despite being a minority faith in a predominantly Muslim nation.
Chaldean Catholic Church: The largest Catholic body in Iran, with archdioceses in Tehran and Urmia, and dioceses in Ahvaz and Salmas, celebrating in Aramaic.
Armenian Catholic Church: Also present in Iran, with an Eparchy (diocese) in Isfahan, known for churches such as Surp Grigor Lusavorich.
Latin (Roman) Rite: A smaller community, mainly expatriates, with centers in Tehran (like the Cathedral of the Consolata) and Isfahan.
Key Churches & Centers in Iran:
Tehran: St. Joseph’s (Chaldean), Cathedral of the Consolata (Latin), Surp Grigor Lusavorich (Armenian).
Urmia: A significant center for the Chaldean Church, with the Cathedral of St. Mary the Mother of God.
Isfahan: Features the Armenian eparchy and Latin Rite churches like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in New Julfa.
Ahvaz: Home to a Chaldean Archeparchy.