Armenian Church of the Most Holy Mother of God (Surp Astvadzadzin, Diyarbakır)

Marian vocation of Diyarbakır (Diyarbakır)
Recognized by the Church

The church of Surp Astvadzadzin (Most Holy Mother of God), of Armenian apostolic rite, is located in Diyarbakır, the ancient Amida. In its present form it dates back to the XVI-XVII centuries, built on previous structures, and has recently been restored as part of the conservation of the Armenian heritage of the city. It is one of the former Marian headquarters of the Armenian community in the region.

Main data

Origin and history

The church of Surp Astvadzadzin (Most Holy Mother of God), of Armenian apostolic rite, is located in Diyarbakır, the ancient Amida. In its present form it dates back to the XVI-XVII centuries, built on previous structures, and has recently been restored as part of the conservation of the Armenian heritage of the city. It is one of the former Marian headquarters of the Armenian community in the region.

The image and the sanctuary

The temple is dedicated to the Most Holy Mother of God. There is no detail of concrete miracles; the documentation available in the press and studies focuses more on the heritage value and history of the genocide than on a miraculous dimension.

Sponsorship and coronation

There is no record of formal patronage or canonical coronation.

Party and devotion

Las fiestas principales son la Asunción, según el calendario armenio, y las fiestas marianas de verano. La tradición armenia local refiere que familias enteras se encomendaban a la «Madre de Dios de Amida» al emigrar o huir de la región; se han conservado fotografías y nombres de familias que enviaban donativos desde la diáspora en signo de gratitud.

Link to the Rosary

The Latin Rosary is not typical of the Armenian Apostolic Rite, which honors the Mother of God with her own hymns and prayers. However, this ancient Marian seat bears witness to the veneration of the Mother of God that the Rosary celebrates in its mysteries.