St Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Church

09/08/2026

Today, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, commemorating the birth of the Virgin Mary to Saints Joachim and Anna.

Her nativity is the long-awaited answer to years of quiet prayer; a life blossoming in grace out of barrenness. Just as frankincense blooms to yield a pure, sweet fragrance, Mary’s birth brings a sacred sweetness to a world awaiting redemption, breaking through darkness like the dawn before a rising sun.

08/31/2026

The final Badarak before St. Vartan Cathedral’s restoration marked not simply an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter. In his sermon, Bishop Mesrop reflects on what it means to renew our sacred Cathedral while allowing Christ to renew our hearts.

Read Bishop Mesrop’s full sermon and reflection on this historic moment with the link:

https://armenianchurch.us/renewing-a-cathedral-and-ourselves/

08/21/2026

08/04/2026

A sacred chapter comes to a close as a new one begins.

Join us on Sunday, August 30, for the final Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral before its comprehensive interior restoration.

Together with His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, we will give thanks for the generations who have worshipped within these walls, pray for the work ahead, and begin the countdown to the Cathedral’s grand reopening at Easter 2028, when its transformed doors will once again welcome the faithful.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this historic Badarak and witness the beginning of a new chapter in the life of our beloved Cathedral.

Following Badarak, all are invited to a special fellowship hour featuring a musical program by violinist Sami Merdinian.

📍 St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral
🗓 Sunday, August 30
🕙 10:00 AM

Can’t join us in person? Watch the service live on the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube channel - Link will be in bio!

06/30/2026

An Important Update for the St. Vartan Cathedral Community

Information below updated June 25, 2026.

As St. Vartan Cathedral prepares for the next phase of its restoration, Sunday worship will temporarily move to a new location during the construction period.
September 13, 2026 – December 26, 2027

Location:

Roman Catholic Church of Our Saviour
59 Park Ave. (at 38th St.)
New York, NY 10016

Sunday Schedule:

Divine Liturgy (Badarak): 12:00–1:45 p.m.
Fellowship Hour: Until 3:00 p.m.

Parish Life Continues:

Sunday School, youth programs, and other parish activities will continue at the Diocesan complex (630 Second Ave.) and nearby locations.

Though our place of worship will be temporary, our community remains together as we begin this exciting new chapter in the life of St. Vartan Cathedral.

Learn more about the next chapter in St. Vartan Cathedral's transformation: https://armenianchurch.us/diocese-announces-new-schedule-location-of-sunday-services-for-st-vartan-cathedral-community/

06/05/2026

05/20/2026

A New Chapter Begins This September at St. Vartan Cathedral!

The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America is pleased to announce that St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will begin the next phase of its transformation in September 2026, with a projected full reopening in Spring 2028.

As this exciting restoration begins, we look ahead with hope and gratitude for the future of our beloved Cathedral and the generations who will continue to gather there in faith and fellowship.

Beginning September 13, 2026, Sunday Divine Liturgy services will be temporarily relocated to the Chapel of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, located at 325 East 33rd Street in New York City.

Read more for full details as we journey together through this historic transformation: https://armenianchurch.us/st-vartan-cathedral-to-begin-major-interior-transformation-in-september-2026/

05/13/2026

Another Diocesan sponsored spiritual resource for our young adults….

Educational Summer Courses for Armenian Youth at Holy Etchmiadzin

We are pleased to share this wonderful opportunity for our youth (ages 18-25) to deepen their faith, identity, and connection to their heritage through the ArmEssence Educational Summer Program at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Participants will be immersed in Armenian language, history, and Christian faith, while also experiencing the spiritual richness of our homeland through visits to holy shrines, cultural centers, and meaningful encounters in Yerevan.

Two sessions are available in Summer 2026. We encourage interested youths to learn more and consider participating in this unique and formative experience. For more information, please contact the email listed on the flyer or reach out to the parish office. Click here or see attached the flyer for more information.

The cost of the program as well as room and board are generously provided by the Mother See.

The Diocese is offering $250 scholarship toward transportation to the first 20 to sign up.

Youth interested in participating should inform Mrs. Anna Ghazaryan ([email protected]) as soon as possible and we will inform the Mother See accordingly. Please indicate July or August session.

04/23/2026

A reminder to all to please join us tomorrow at Binghamton City Hall at 4:00 pm
as we again raise the Armenian flag on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of
the Armenian Genocide. You can bring your tri-colored flag too...

Our flag...

Red symbolizes Armenian highlands...the constant fight for survival, Christian religion and independence.

Blue...the desire of our people to live beneath a peaceful sky... and

Orange...symbolizing the creative nature and diligence of the Armenian people.

Your presence is of great importance to continue to raise awareness of this important day for all Christians.