This photo-essay shows the religious life of the Armenian community in Iran. The first nation to embrace Christianity, they preserve their unique faith to this day.

But if their religion sets them apart from the Muslim majority, Armenians have historically contributed a great deal to Iran’s artistic life, education and commerce. Their cultural influence began spreading from the Julfa district of Isfahan after Shah Abbas transplanted them there from their homes in northwestern areas under his control in the 17th century.

These days, many are emigrating to the West, and to the United States in particular. Most speak of hopes for better economic prospects abroad, rather than cultural oppression at home. In fact, many of those who are most attached to their unique faith, culture and language will stay in Iran, where the unchanging patterns of life will not be upset by dislocation and adaptation to a new country.