The Armenian Jewel in New York City

For 45 Years, a Shining Jewel of Armenian Faith. It has served as a spiritual center for Armenian Christians throughout North America: a place where our people have gathered to express joy and sorrow, hope and determination. It has been a beautiful jewel of faith, shining proudly in the heart of New York City—testifying to the world that the Armenian heritage is alive, vibrant, and resilient.

That’s the enduring legacy of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, consecrated in 1968 as the first Armenian cathedral in the New World. This year marks the cathedral’s 45th anniversary, and we want you to know about the ways the Eastern Diocese is marking the milestone.

This week, our Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will travel to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia, to receive a unique piece of Armenia’s history: a relic of St. Vartan the Brave, the patron saint of the cathedral. The 1500-year-old relic, encased in a beautiful silver cross, is the gracious gift of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to the Eastern Diocese.

The relic of St. Vartan will be unveiled to the public on Sunday, September 15, as part of the official celebration of the 45th anniversary of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. The day will include services as well as a luncheon and program—to which the public is cordially invited.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the cathedral sanctuary, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The badarak will conclude with a hokehankisd (requiem) service for the souls of the departed cathedral godfathers and Cathedral Project committee members.

Following the services, a luncheon and program will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. To make reservations for the luncheon, please see the flyer linked below.

If you live in the New York region or are planning to visit next month please join us for this splendid 45th anniversary celebration.

In the meantime, click on the following links to learn more about the cathedral’s history, view rare photos from the 1968 consecration service, and view a flyer for the September 15 event.

Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America [publicrelations=armeniandiocese.org@mail37.atl11.rsgsv.net]