Unseen Bonds: Rare Footage Reveals Ayatollah Khamenei’s Intimate Visit to Christian Martyr’s Family
In a display of national unity, newly released video captures the Iranian leader’s heartfelt interactions, shared memories, and tributes to the Armenian community.
In a significant release of archival material, “First-ever footage” broadcast by Al Mayadeen English offers a rare glimpse into a private visit by Sayyed Ali Khamenei to the family of an Iranian Christian martyr. The video documents a warm and unscripted encounter that underscores the deep integration of religious minorities within the fabric of Iranian society.
A Surprise Visit The footage begins with the Leader’s arrival, catching the family off guard. The atmosphere shifts from disbelief to warm hospitality as family members express their shock, with one remarking, “I didn’t expect you to come... I think I’m dreaming.” Ayatollah Khamenei reassures them with a smile, asking, “What can I do to make you believe it?”
“Not Strangers, But Part of the Nation” Central to the visit is the Leader’s message of inclusion. Addressing the family, he affirms that “Armenians and Christians in Iran are not strangers; they are part of the Iranian nation.” He pays tribute to the sacrifices made by the Christian community during the Iran-Iraq War, specifically asking about “Alfred,” the family’s martyr who was just 20 years old when he was killed.
“We take pride in the families of martyrs,” Khamenei states, emphasizing that his respect extends equally to Muslim and Christian families who have remained loyal to the revolution and the country.
Moments of Levity and Shared History The visit is marked by personal and lighthearted exchanges that break down formal barriers. The conversation drifts to linguistics, with the Leader joking about the variations of the name “Michael” across languages—Mikhail, Michel, Michael—and expressing a past desire to learn the Armenian and Assyrian languages if he had the time.
In a poignant moment of reflection, Ayatollah Khamenei shares a personal memory from 1963 (1342 in the Persian calendar) when he was imprisoned in Qasr Prison. He recalls a friendship with a young Armenian man named Gagik Avanessian. He recounts their conversations and the bond formed in the cells, illustrating a long-standing personal connection to the community that predates his leadership.
A Symbol of Respect The video concludes with the family asking for a photo and offering traditional pastries, cementing the visit as a cherished memory. This footage serves not just as a historical record, but as a symbolic reinforcement of the idea that national identity in Iran transcends religious lines, bound together by shared sacrifice and history.