The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, visited Christian families of “martyrs” on the occasion of Christmas, reported on Sunday Iranian media.
The official website of the guide itself has published a photo of one of these visits to Christian families in Tehran: it shows Ayatollah Khamenei view a document sitting next to an elderly woman with a backdrop a small Christmas tree and a portrait of his son “martyr” killed during the Iran-Iraq war (1980 to 1988).
“The effort of the soldiers is rooted in the efforts of mothers”, is it written in Persian in this photograph.
“Martyr” is the name given by the Islamic Republic to Iranians died in battle during the Iran-Iraq war and now in Syria where Iran is sending “advisors” and “volunteers” to support the regime of President Bashar al Assad.
Iranian Christians represent less than 1% of the population of 80 million people – mostly Shiite Muslims (90%) – and most are of Armenian origin.
Since its inception in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran tolerates religious minorities – Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians – who have places of worship and are represented in Parliament.
On the occasion of Christmas, the shops owned by Armenians sell Christmas trees, decorations and Santa Claus outfits.
Stéphane © armenews.com