Hundreds of Iranians rushed to an Armenian church in Isfahan last Sunday to celebrate Christmas.

Videos posted on Iranian social media depict a large crowd, mainly composed of young non-Christians, trying to enter the historic Holy Savior Cathedral in the New Julfa district, a major tourist attraction in the city.

The cathedral, according to London-based Iran International TV, had to close its doors to the public an hour earlier than usual. Police later used force to disperse the crowd singing and dancing in the street outside the church.

The revelers were unaware that the Armenian Apostolic Church observes the birth of Christ on January 6.

Iran International writes that celebrating Christmas has risen in popularity in Iran.

VIDEO: Crowd trying to open the doors of the cathedral and chanting “Open the door, Jesus!”

Photo credit:iranintl.com