Talks are held to construct a New Orthodox Church in Azerbaijan’s Capita

Baku. Lachin Sultanova – APA. Episcope Father Alexander held a press conference on the 10th anniversary of the restoration of Eparchy of Baku and the Caspian region, APA reports. Episcope gave information about the history of the Eparchy.

He said there were about 70 orthodox churches in Azerbaijan, 17 in Baku when the Eparchy was established. But during the Soviet times the churches were closed, most destroyed, the churches were permitted in 1944. Episcope said Eparchy of Baku and the Caspian region was restored in 1998, Heydar Aliyev played a great role in it.

“Various religions have always existed in Azerbaijan, no conflict occurred among the religions,” he said.
He noted that no sacred place underwent insult during the hard situation in the country early in the 90s of the past century.

Father Alexander said the Eparchy has 22 parishes in 14 cities and 9 villages, 5 small churches, a convent in Kizlyar.

Episcope said the number of persons belonging to the church was not recorded.
“Taking into account that Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusans, Greek and Georgians belong to the orthodox church, their number is 180,000 in Azerbaijan,” he said.

Father Alexander said there are three orthodox churches in Baku and added that talks are being carried out with Baku leadership for establishing a new church.

Asked about nontraditional religions episcope said both Christians and Muslims are concerned over it.

“The church reproaches those who convert their religion,” he said.

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