A Century of Community, Commitment, and Faith.

Sep 26, 2025

St. Illuminator’s Cathedral:

A Century of Community, Commitment, and Faith*
By Hourig Papazian Sahagian † 

[This article originally appeared in the commemorative book for the 100th Anniversary of Mayr Yegeghetsi. It is reprinted here in loving memory of Hourig Papazian Sahagian.]

 

If only the walls of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral could speak to us today. They might echo the tune Kele Lao (Let’s go home). Since the early 20th century, generations who passed through the church doors found a new home within these walls and with its parishioners.

The first generation to do so fled persecution as a result of the Armenian Genocide; they left their homes and villages behind in the mists of blood and anguish. In the years following the Genocide, St. Illuminator’s shone like a beacon of hope for Armenians. After landing on Ellis Island they flocked to this church located on a bustling midtown Manhattan street, searching for family members, village neighbors, and the anchor to a new life.

The church’s hall, with its stalwart posts, bravely supported the weight of the church as well as the Armenians seeking refuge. Despite the economic hardship faced by its members, St. Illuminator’s plunged into fulfilling her mission as a nurturing place full of spirit. For the survivors she personified the Statue of Liberty’s welcome of loving generosity; she offered the Armenian haven of ancient light and succor—the Holy Badarak. There were joyous times of family reunions, young people finding love, weddings, christenings, and inevitably the last farewells of parishioners.

George Mardikian, founder of ANCHA, with Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian and the Peshtimaljian Family.

As the new St. Illuminator’s parish took shape, there were triumphs great and small—finding factory work, learning English, opening grocery stores, starting shoe, tailor, and seamstress shops. Coffee shops, the Armen Garo Club, and a variety of Armenian specialty stores also popped up along Third Avenue, around the corner from the church. All the while parishioners sacrificed time, money, and effort for their church although they were living through hardship themselves. There were constant fund raisers by the trustees, Ladies’ Guild, and others for the Genocide survivors, orphans, the Garmir Khatch (later known as the Armenian Relief Society) and the Armenian Legion (Gamavor).

Funds were also saved to bring relatives to the United States. Hearts trembled for news of loved ones; a letter from home was cause for celebration. As finances improved, an Armenian school was established where classes were held three days a week and absentees were rare. Soon following were the start of charitable, cultural, and political organizations. Evening events crowded the calendar with gatherings of various men’s and women’s organizations, youth groups, sports clubs, regional and village fraternal societies, as well a choir and mixed chorus.

“Building on our
historic legacy, we are
inspired to create new
memories and legends
within the resurrected
walls and pillars
of St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral.”

— Hourig Papazian Sahagian

During the years 1917 to 1920, parishioners received the news that their loved ones in the old country were once again being persecuted. Thus the Armenian Legion was formed as an army of volunteers who trained as part of the French Foreign Legion. A number of United States divisions were created with a single mission: to return to Historic Armenia to rescue survivors and orphans. Old anxieties were revived in the hearts of St. Illuminator’s parishioners as they said farewell to the volunteers in the church hall. These courageous volunteers had barely found a foothold in their new country when they turned around and went back into the fields of genocide.

Later when calamity struck the United States in the form of the Great Depression, Armenians endured with the resilience acquired through millennia of troubled times. St. Illuminator’s again stretched out her arms serving as support for her flock during those long, dark years. In the same decade, political upheaval caused a rift in the hierarchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and months of negotiations took place in the hall of St. Illuminator’s, which resounded with the voices of church and community representatives at endless meetings in search of reconciliation.

Despite turbulent times, this period ushered in a “Golden Age” in culture among Armenian Americans. For the St. Illuminator’s community in particular, Armenian artistic life developed through music, dance, and dramatic productions featuring renowned artists who appeared on the stages of Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and Town Hall. Within the Armenian world, General Antranig’s visit prompted a fund raising campaign-reception in St. Illuminator’s hall to benefit the Armenian Army. Fellow heroic military leader General Sebouh became a familiar figure at St. Illuminator’s as he lived in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. But it was the visit to New York of Franz Werfel, the author of The Forty Days of Musa Dagh that topped all the events of the 1930s. A gala black-tie reception held in his honor at the Waldorf-Astoria, just blocks from St. Illuminator’s, created unparalleled excitement in the parish.

Just a short while later as Europe teetered on the brink of World War II, Armenian Americans observed all diplomatic and political machinations chilled by the old fear of a coming conflagration. Painful scars of the First World War were still fresh in Armenian minds when Pearl Harbor suddenly burst upon America. The entire Armenian American community met the demands of war with patriotic determination. Countless men from St. Illuminator’s parish and thousands from the Metropolitan area rallied to the defense of their country. They served, fought, and died with honor on every front.

After the war, when some Eastern European countries became part of the USSR, Armenians fled by the thousands. A great number were interred in refugee camps in Germany as stateless persons and many were able to immigrate to the United States thanks to the Nansen Passport issued through the efforts of Fridtjof Nansen, the Norwegian humanitarian and Nobel Laureate who aided survivors after World War I. The Armenian American community hastily rallied to the cause of bringing the refugees to the United States. The Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Relief Society, and the National Council of Churches joined forces and formed the American National Committee to Aid Homeless Armenians (ANCHA).

St. Illuminator and St. Sarkis parishioners of all ages rose as one to meet the challenges of re-settling wave after wave of newcomers. Once again, St. Illuminator’s hall was filled with the voices of workers in a colossal community effort, bridging two decades. Cadres of volunteers stood ready at the New York docks, where ships arrived from Europe, to escort refugees to the St. Illuminator’s hall. The new ANCHA refugees were fed and clothed by the army of volunteers who stood ready to leap into action at a moment’s notice. Traditional Armenian meals were prepared in the kitchen of the church hall by a legion of volunteers from the two parishes.

In addition to being a spiritual home, Mayr Yegeghetsi also welcomed, encouraged, and became a home for literary and cultural activities. In 1962, Hagop Khashamian organized monthly literary evenings at Mayr Yegeghetsi; Very Rev. Fr. and Maestro Krikor Pidejian, pastor from 1962 to 1964, founded the Kousan Choir here, which performed at the World’s Fair in 1964 under the baton of Armen Babamian, for many years Mayr Yegeghetsi’s choirmaster; Maestro Raffi Sevadjian led the chorus to perform at Town Hall in 1969; the Armenian Cultural Association in New York, which later became Hamazkayin, had its inception at Mayr Yegeghesti in 1967 and, until 1977 held its choral, dance, and theater rehearsals here: Herand Markarian, for ten years, rehearsed at Mayr Yegeghetsi and held all rehearsals of his 1995 Off-Broadway play “Mirrors” here. These are mere highlights from among thousands of cultural activities under Mayr Yegeghetsi’s embrace throughout her history that have sustained our heritage, earning Mayr Yegeghetsi distinction as a singular pan-Armenian cultural center like no other. Pictured above are Hayr Krikor and Armen Babamian, with the Kousan Choir, in Pashalian Hall, 1964.

Newcomers were then processed through interviews with the committee and remained to take up residence in the Tri-state area. Others in large numbers were relocated to California and other states. All were escorted to the bus, train, or airport and upon arrival were greeted by their sponsoring families in destinations throughout the United States. Parish youth of the Saturday and Sunday schools ran errands, made phone calls, and delivered messages.

The Sunday School, with Rev. Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian at left and then Very Rev. Fr. Aram Keshishian, now H. H. Aram I, at right, circa mid 1970s.

Over the next twenty years, Armenian day schools emerged throughout the United States and in the late 1970s, St. Illuminator’s Day School was founded at the Armenian Center in Woodside, Queens. Later the Siamanto Academy for high school students was organized where weekly lectures were offered by well-known Armenian educators at St. Illuminator’s church hall. A decade later when the earth quake of December 7, 1988 struck, diaspora Armenians leapt into action as first responders. Instantly, the Prelacy offices, St. Illuminator’s, and the Woodside Armenian Center became the hub for fundraising, emergency aid, and collection of supplies. Physicians and specialists of the parish boarded flights to Yerevan to begin the aid work.

After these difficult years, St. Illuminator’s consecrated an altar in memory of the martyrs of the twentieth century’s first genocide. On April 24, 2000, the recovered bones of martyrs from Deir el Zor were encased in this contemporary reliquary as a solemn remembrance of the genocide.

Five generations had prayed, worked, and played in St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. But the passage of decades began to weigh heavily on its walls, pillars, and foundation. In 2008 architects and construction and metallurgy specialists were called upon to plan, design, rebuild, and renew the venerable space. The balcony was taken down, brilliant chandeliers lit the new lofty space, and the walls seemed to rise to even greater heights.

The tired old walls and pillars might have taken away with them some of the imprint of memories and legends of a venerable community. The people, past and present, of St. Illuminator’s accept the challenges of the future with a national spirit that burns more fiercely than ever. Building on our historic legacy, we are inspired to create new memories and legends within the resurrected walls and pillars of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.

A Brief History of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral

Sep 19, 2025

St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral: A Brief History

Translated from the Armenian by Dr. Ara Caprielian †

[This article and the original Armenian from which it was translated was first published in the commemorative book for the 75th Anniversary of Mayr Yegeghetsi and later republished in edited form in the commemorative book for 100th Anniversary. It is reprinted here in loving memory of Dr. Ara Caprielian.]

The late author Aram Haigaz had once written an article entitled, “Twenty-Seven,” and in his witty style he described his impressions of the St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral while adding the following observations:

“What days and celebrations of glory and grief haven’t the walls of this simple church seen . . . What enthusiastic speeches and uplifting sermons have been delivered from the church hall and altar. Its fate, both somber and joyous, has been the same as the fate of its people. It has been a witness to death, birth, tears, laughter, ill fortune and blessings . . . In a word its experiences have been the same as those of its people.“

In truth, during the past 100 years, the “27th Street Church” has been the palpitating heart of the Armenian community of America as the mother church of this Diocese.

Everything began with the refugees who flocked to these shores from different corners of the world, but especially from Turkey, during the 19th century. Some came to work and prosper; many came with the hope of living a free and peaceful life. But they all shared a single purpose—to return to their fatherland after having some financial success. The Hamidian massacres toward the end of the 19th century, followed by the Genocide at the beginning of the 20th century, resulted in large numbers of Armenians settling here and in different American cities.

Mayr Yegeghetsi, circa 1940s.

For the Armenian refugees, living under economically modest conditions, having their own church and community life became an important necessity; non-Armenian churches could not satisfy their spiritual and national needs.

The first Armenian Church in America, named Our Saviour (Holy Saviour, Soorp Pergich) was built in Worcester, Massachusetts and consecrated on January 18, 1891. The first clergyman was Very Rev. Fr. Hovsep Sarajian who came to America in August 1889 and celebrated his first Mass at the New York City’s famous Grace Church. On that day, Krikor Parseghian’s three daughters, Elsie, Mary and Florence, were baptized.

When the number of Armenians in the United States gradually grew, Khrimian Hayrig, Catholicos of All Armenians, established a Diocese here and appointed Bishop Hovsep Sarajian as Prelate. At that time, the Armenians in the U.S. numbered about 15,000. Through the efforts of the new Prelate, new churches and the Diocese were organized. First the California area and later South America broke away and formed their own Dioceses.

“Come Let Us Build the
Sanctuary of the Light”

— From the Hymn
of the Feast of Holy
Etchmiadzin

Rev. Fr. Khatchadour Giragosian and Rev. Fr. Arsen Simoniantz with Archbishop Khoren Paroian, later Catholicos Koren I, on the original Altar, as designed and executed by Arshag Fetfajian.

For a long while the Armenians of New York City did not have their own church. They held religious services in various churches most of which were located in the neighborhood of the current church, although services were held as far away as 110th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. For quite some time, the Episcopal Church at 134 East 27th Street was used, but the Armenian community began having problems when they owed the church $400.00. Despite these difficulties, efforts were made to organize a choir, a Ladies’ Guild and an Armenian school. On January 19, 1913, the school had 60 pupils.

The Pastor informed the Board that a Methodist Church at 221 East 27th Street, including its furniture, could be purchased for $50,000.00 which was $15,000.00 less than what it had been offered by another party, but the owners were willing to sell it for the lesser amount because it would be used as a church by the Armenians.

It must be stressed that the St. Illuminator’s Cathedral always displayed a caring attitude toward its Armenian school; furthermore, it helped other schools in the area including the Aharonian School in Washington Heights, the Armenian school in the Bronx and the Armenian Day and Saturday Schools at the Armenian Center in Woodside, Queens. Armenian children were taught language, history and religion. Thousands of first, second and third generation Armenian-Americans learned to read and write Armenian through these schools.

Between 1912–13, the Board of Trustees began publishing a church newsletter entitled “Nvirag.” In 1942 Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian began publishing a newsletter called “Mayr Yegeghetsi”, which continues to be published today as a weekly e-newsletter.

Purchasing Our Own Church

For several years, The Board of Trustees tried to purchase its own church. The idea was initially proposed to approximately 1,000 people attending Easter services in 1913. In May of the same year a three-member committee was appointed to pursue the matter. When the lease to the Episcopal Church expired leaving a $400.00 dept, the general meeting was convened on August 14, 1914, at 138 East 27th Street. The majority of the parishioners decided to purchase a church immediately.

During the ensuing months, the Prelate, Very Rev. Arsen Vehouni, and two committees made attempts to find facilities where they could immediately hold services and a church which they could purchase. Minutes of the membership meeting attest to the fact that there was a serious concern that unless the community had its own church in a short while, the children of the Armenian Apostolic Church in America would become assimilated. On October 27, 1914, Rev. Fr. Matteos Manigian and the Board of Trustees donated $500.00 as seed money for the purchase of a church.

The artist, painter, and designer Arshag Fetfajian, who designed and built the Holy Altar of Mayr Yegeghetsi and painted the icon of the Madonna and Child that adorns her, in 1920.

Fetfajian’s original Altar and chancel wall, seen here at a wedding in 1957.

The Pastor informed the Board that a Methodist Church at 221 East 27th Street, including its furniture, could be purchased for $50,000.00 which was $15,000.00 less than what it had been offered by another party, but the owners were willing to sell it for the lesser amount because it would be used as a church by the Armenians.

A decision was made to purchase the church by putting down $300.00 with an option to buy, with the condition that $16,500.00 would be paid on the day of the closing and the remaining amount would be paid within 3 years at 5% interest.

World War I caused a postponement of the purchase. The dream of buying a church finally became a reality on October 11, 1920. According to the agreement, $5,000.00 was to be paid on the day a contract was signed; $5,000.00 was to be paid by November 1, 1920. From the remaining $7,000.00, $30,000.00 as the first mortgage was to be paid in five years and the rest by 1950. The following notice appeared in a local newspaper announcing the sale of the church:

Conveys Church Realty

“The Crawford M.E. Church of New York has conveyed to St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Church in New York City the church property, 52 x 98.9 at 221-223 East Twenty Seventh Street, known as the Rose Hill M.E. Church and the adjoining six-story flat, on plot 42 x 98.9 at 217 – 219.”

The new church had to be consecrated but prior to that event certain physical changes had to be made within the church in order to satisfy Armenian religious requirements. Eventually, the altar was constructed to resemble the one in the church at Bardizag. The first Mass was celebrated by Very. Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Tourian, who later became Patriarch of Jerusalem. Unfortunately, on November 29, 1921, a fire destroyed the altar and parts of the church. Whereupon the task of building the altar and painting the Madonna and Child was entrusted to the noted artist, Arshag Fetfajian, who received $1,750.00 for constructing the altar and $1,000.00 for the painting. Finally, the historic consecration took place on April 17, 1921.

Meanwhile, the Diocesan headquarters had been transferred from Worcester, Massachusetts to St. Illuminator’s in New York City, which henceforth served as a Cathedral for the entire Diocese until the sad events of 1933.

H. H. Vasken I together with H. H. Karekin II in procession as they approach Mayr Yeghetsti on the occasion of their historic, joint pontifical visit, February, 11, 1989.

H. H. Vasken I presenting the silver Dove of Peace from Holy Etchmiadzin to H. E. Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian as a gift to St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, February 11, 1989. As he did so Vazken said: “The first feeling that I am experiencing at this moment is that I feel at home here, just as Karekin Vehapar felt at home in Etchmiadzin. . . . Beloved Archbishop Mesrob, my words are about you as well, for you are also beloved. On this occasion, I wish to present your Church with this Silver Dove from Holy Etchmiadzin so that you will always remember.” The Dove still serves as Mayr Yegeghetsi’s Muron vessel and is found on the Baptismal Altar.

The Cathedral became a witness to and the center of significant events in the life of the Armenian-American community. Both religious and lay leaders visited the church and addressed the people including Archbishop Khoren Muradbekian, the martyred Catholicos of Holy Etchmiadzin. A fundraising campaign on behalf of the army of the independent Republic of Armenia was organized at the church. General Antranig, Gen. Bagratouni and others were received there. Funeral services for notable national and religious figures such as Vahan Cardashian, Zadig Matigian, Hagop Kashmanian, General Sebouh, Aram Haigaz, Very Rev. Ghevont Martougesian, Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Minas Minasian, Edward Sahagian, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian were held at the church.

On September 2, 1933, the National Representative Assembly (NRA) was held at the hall of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. When disagreements arose among the delegates, a minority among them left the legitimate, duly constituted assembly and convened its own gathering at the Hotel Martinique in Manhattan. Holy Etchmiadzin, for politically obvious reasons, defended and gave official recognition to the minority while unjustly waging a campaign against those faithful sons of the Armenian church who continued to serve their church and nation with undying loyalty.

H. H. Karekin I waves to the faithful during his pontifical visit to Mayr Yegeghetsi as Catholicos of All Armenians, January 13, 1996.

Until 1943 a thousand dollars was paid annually to retire the church mortgage. Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian and the Board of Trustees con vened a meeting to free the church from their financial burden. A committee consisting of the following individuals was given the task of paying off the mortgage: Mr. G. J. Haig, chairman; Mr. Smpad Vartabedian, vice chairman; Mr. Souren Papazian, secretary; Mr. Dikran Bedrosian, treasurer; Mr. Khachig Kantarian, accountant; Mr. Aram Proodian, Mr. Paul Vosgian, Mr. Souren Mozian, Mr. Vahan Basmajian, advisors.

Many outstanding members of the community played an active role in assisting the above committee to achieve its goal. Those individuals include: Hagop Baruirian, Aram Bardez, Esq., Dr. Sarkis Apkarian, Khosrov Babaian, Armen Kasarjian, Dr. Dikran Zakarian, Dr. M. Kara, Mrs. Elizabeth Chakmakjian, Bagrat Bejhian, Dr. V. Boghosian, Vahan Bourgouchian, Vartan Garabedian, Mgrdich Tufenkjian, Yeghia Kimatian, Setrag Avdoian, Dr. Armen Alikhanian, Dr. Aghajanian, Kegham Keghag, Hagop Kashmanian, Mgrdich Shirvanian, Mrs. Makrouhi (Sebouh) Nersesian, Edward Sahagian and Vartkes Kachouni.

Even after 1943, the church, abandoned by Holy Etchmiadzin and denied holy chrism (muron), survived by virtue of the dedication of the priests who served in various committees and the commitment of the people to ensure the survival of those churches. During those years, NRA’s were regularly convened which, in turn, elected their Executive Councils.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Karekin Hovsepiantz, Nuncio of the Catholicos of All Armenians, came to the U.S. as the elected Primate of the Diocese recognized by Holy Etchmiadzin and served until he became elected Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. Both he and his successor Primate, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, made serious efforts to unify the two dioceses but met serious obstacles each time.

Having exhausted all means for a reconciliation and unity, and being confronted with a hopeless situation, the NRA, convening at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral on September 23, 1957, voted to appeal to H. H. Zareh I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, and asked that he extend the jurisdiction of the Catholicosate over this diocese.

At the time this historic appeal was made, this diocese consisted of about 100,000 members, organized in over two dozen communities with about twenty church buildings.

On October 12, 1957, through a special Encyclical, H. H. Catholicos Zareh I extended the jurisdiction of the Holy See over the diocese and sent Archbishop Khoren Paronyan, Prelate of Lebanon, to the U.S. as his Nuncio.

Within a short time, this community exhibited a fantastically vibrant spirit which resulted in a reorganized diocese with new churches, schools, auxiliary organizations working feverishly to meet the growing needs of this dynamic community. The Prelate of this reorganized diocese was Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian.

“What days and
celebrations of glory and
grief haven’t the walls
of this simple church
seen . . . In a word its
experiences have been
the same as those of its
people.”

— Aram Haigaz

H. H. Aram I in Pashalian Hall during his first pontifical visit to Mayr Yegeghetsi, October 1997, with Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian and H. H. Aram’s Kavazanagir (staff bearer), then-Very Rev. Fr. now Archbishop Khoren Doghramajian.

It must be recalled that following World War II, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral became the center which received thousands of former displaced persons who came to the U.S. from Germany and Eastern Europe through the efforts of ANCHA (American National Committee for Homeless Armenians). Waves of Armenians from Romania and Bulgaria followed. Their first stop was St. Illuminator’s Cathedral where, through the assistance of the ARS, they had their first meal.

In 1973, Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian became the next Prelate. The Cathedral and Prelacy were endowed with a religious leader of international stature and great vision. New programs were initiated, many international religious leaders visited the Cathedral and Prelacy.

After Archbishop Karekin was elected Catholicos-Coadjutor of the Great House of Cilicia in 1977, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, a scholar and a former Prelate of Isphahan, was elected Prelate of the diocese. Under his most inspiring and dedicated leadership, the Prelacy and Cathedral have expanded their scope of services in the field of religious education, cultural and national programs.

H. H. Aram I celebrates the 850th anniversary of St. Nerses Shnorhali at an Ecumenical Service at Mayr Yegeghetsi, November 18, 2023.

                                                             Mayr Yegeghetsi today.

A notable addition to the Cathedral was a beautiful baptismal font donated by Mrs. Isabella Avedisian and Mrs. Martha Kimmel. The Prelate consecrated the font on Christmas, January 6, 1990.

Through the untiring efforts of the Board of Trustees and a special committee, the six-story apartment building adjacent to the church which the latter had lost during the Depression, was purchased. This building earns an annual income for the church.

Without a doubt, the most significant event of the last several years in the Cathedral was the visit of His Holiness Vasken I, Catholicos of All Armenians, from Holy Etchmiadzin accompanied by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia on February 11, 1989. On that auspicious and historic day, Vasken Catholicos presented His Eminence Archbishop Ashjian with a silver dove of peace.

This brief history of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, which in no way is complete, would not do justice to a century of dedication to God and Nation without recognizing the dedication and self-sacrificing work of the clergymen who have served the church. Their names are listed elsewhere in this booklet and include the present Pastor, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, whose term of service began on March 1, 2006.

St. Illuminator’s Cathedral is comprised of a one hundred year history of impressive achievements. It is still vibrant and forever ready to serve the people who have nurtured it over the years inspiring them with faith toward God and love toward one another with a vision for a brighter future for the Armenian people.

* * *

The Former Pastors and Parish Priests of Mayr Yegeghetsi*

Sep 12, 2025

The Former Pastors and Parish Priests of Mayr Yegeghetsi*

Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Kaftanian (1910–1911)
Rev. Fr. Matteos Manigian (1911–1919)
Rev. Fr. Azaria Boyajian (1916–1918)
Rev. Fr. Serovpe Nershabou (1918–1930)
Rev. Fr. Roupen Kapigian (1919) (5 months)
Rev. Fr. Untzag Kazanjian (1919–1933)
Very Rev. Fr. Hovhan Garabedian (1921–1922)
Rev. Fr. Matteos Hekimian (1924–1927)
Rev. Fr. Bedros Hagopian (1927–1930)
Rev. Fr. Nishan Papazian** (1933–1939)
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Der Hovannessian (1934) (4 months)
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Der Hovannessian (1939) (8 months)
Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian (1940–1947)
Rev. Fr. Matteos Manigian (1947–1948)
Rev. Fr. Arsen Simoniantz (1948–1960)
Rev. Fr. Khatchadour Giragosian (1950–1953)
Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian (1959–1961)
Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Pidedjian (1962–1964)
Rev. Fr. Nerses Baboorian (1965–1968)
Rev. Fr. Mampre Biberian (1965–1968)
Rev. Fr. Ashod Kotchian (1968) (6 months)
Rev. Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian (1968–1997)
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Vartanian (1997–1998)
Rev. Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian (1998–1999)
Very Rev. Fr. Navasart Mardoyan (2000–2001)
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian 2002–2005)
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian (2006–present)

*Compiled by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian with the assistance of Deacon Allan Yeghia
Jendian of Fresno, California.

Years of service overlap during periods when Mayr Yegeghetsi had more than one
priest serving at once.

**After his service at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and the passing of Yeretsgeen, Der
Nishan was ordained a Vartabed at Antelias.

REV. FR. NISHAN PAPAZIAN
(1933-1939)

REV. FR. STEPANOS  GARABEDIAN
(1940-1947)

REV. FR. ARSEN SIMONIANTZ
(1948-1960)

REV. FR. KHATCHADOUR GIRAGOSIAN
(1950–1953)

REV. FR. MAMPRE BIBERIAN
(1965-1968)   

REV. FR. MOUSHEGH DER KALOUSTIAN
(1968-1997 | 1998-1999)

Deacon Sarkis Madtheossian and the Rev. Frs. Yeghishe Gasparian, Stepanos Garabedian (1940-1947), Matteos Manigian (1911-1919 | 1947-1948), and Mesrob Der Hovannessian (1934 | 1939), at the gravesite of Very Rev. Fr. Ghevont Mardoukesian. Though he never served as pastor, Hayr Ghevont was a frequent guest celebrant and homilist at Mayr Yegeghetsi.

Rev. Fr. Azaria Boyajian (1916-1918) and family.

Rev. Fr. Arsen Simoniantz (1948-1960) with Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian (1959-1961) in 1960.

The Former Prelates of the Eastern Prelacy

Sep 5, 2025

The Former Prelates of the Eastern Prelacy

This week, we reprint the messages of the former Prelates of the Eastern United States.

Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of North America (1961–1973)

“Սբ. Լուսաւորիչ Մայր Եկեղեցին տարիներ շարունակ, եւ յատկապէս մինչեւ 1958, դարձաւ իսկական Առաջնորդարան օգնեց եկեղեցիներուն՝ միւռոն եւ քահանայ ուղարկելով, նիւթապէս օգնելով նորակառոյց եկեղեցիներու, եւ տէր կանգնելով հեռաւոր շրջաններու եկեղեցիներուն:

Սբ. Լուսաւորիչ Մայր Եկեղեցւոյ հովանիին ներքեւ հիւրընկալուեցան Ռումանիայէն, Պուլկարիայէն, Եգիպտոսէն եւ ա’յլ երկիրներէ եկած գաղթականները:

Եւ դեռ կարելի է յիշել շատուշատ ծառայութիւններ՝ որոնք այս անոյշ, անպաճոյճ եկեղեցին բերած է եւ կը բերէ բոլո՛ր հայերուն, անխտիր, եւ որոնք քաղցրութեամբ կը յիշեն «27-ի եկեղեցի:

Թո՛ղ Սբ. Լուսաւորչի աջը պահապան ըլլայ բոլորին:

Թող Աստուած իր խաղաղութեան մէջ պահէ բոլոր անոնք՝ որոնք իբրեւ հովիւ, հոգաբարձու, երեսփոխան, դպրաց դասու անդամ, եւ կամ այլապէս, եկած եւ ծառայած են՝ պայծառ պահելու համար եկեղեցին: Եւ Ձեզի, որ հիմա Ձեր ձեռքերուն մէջ ունիք Մայր Եկեղեցին, մէ՛կ խօսք ունինք – յարգեցէք զայն իբրեւ մայր, եւ ծառայեցէք հաւատքով եւ սիրով:”

ՀՐԱՆԴ ԱՐՔԵՊԻՍԿՈՊՈՍ ԽԱՉԱՏՈՒՐԵԱՆ
ԱՌԱՋՆՈՐԴ
1965

 

Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of the Eastern United States and Canada (1973-1977)

Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia (1977-1995) and
Catholicos of All Armenians (1995-1999)

Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian

“Սբ. Լուսաւորիչ Մայր եկեղեցին բազմամիլիոն բնակչութեամբ յորդուն եւ եռուզեռ կեանքով գեղուն Նիւ Եորքի մէջ հոգեւոր կենաքի օճախ մըն է, որուն ջերմութիւնը կը վայելէք դուք որպէս անդամներ անոր այժմու բաղկացութեան: Այս տօնակատարութիւնը թող դառնայ հոգեկան եւ ազգային պայծառակերպութեան շքեղ եւ կենսանորոգ ոյժի: Թող Ձեզմէ ամէն մէկը այսօր ուխտ մը կատարէ, ներքին հոգեփոխութեան հոսանքէն այցելուի եւ վերանորոգէ իր սէրն ու նուիրումը այս սրբաշէն օճախին:

Մենք անձնապէս երախտիքի զգացումով կը նայինք Սբ. Լուսաւորիչ Մայր Եկեղեցիին: Երջանկալից ապրումով կը անդրադառնանք այն պահերուն զորս անձամբ ապրած ենք անոր կամարներուն ներքեւ եւ խորանին վրայ որպէս աղօթարար, պատարագիչ, քարոզիչ ու պատգամախօս, մեր վարդապետութեան օրերէն մինչեւ կաթողիկոսական պարտաւորութեան այս օրերը: Մեր հոգիին մէջ անջնջելի բարիքներ կան Սբ. Լուսաւորիչ Մայր Եկեղեցւոյդ հրաշագործ զօրութենէն շառաւիղած:

Յառաջ նայեցէք: Ձեր եկեղեցին ճանչնալով որպէս Մայր՝ բոլորուեցէք անոր շուրջ եւ աճեցուցէք ու ծաղկեցուցէք անոր կեանքը որ ձեր կեանքն է Աստուծոյ շնորհին եւ օրհնութեան ներքեւ:”

ԳԱՐԵԳԻՆ Բ. ԿԱԹՈՂԻԿՈՍ
ՄԵԾԻ ՏԱՆՆ ԿԻԼԻԿԻՈՅ
1991

 

Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of the Eastern United States and Canada
(1978-1998)

“Սբ. Լուսաւորիչ Մայր Եկեղեցին տարիներ շարունակ, եւ յատկապէս մինչեւ 1958, դարձաւ իսկական Առաջնորդարան օգնեց եկեղեցիներուն՝ միւռոն եւ քահանայ ուղարկելով, նիւթապէս օգնելով նորակառոյց եկեղեցիներու, եւ տէր կանգնելով հեռաւոր շրջաններու եկեղեցիներուն:

Սբ. Լուսաւորիչ Մայր Եկեղեցւոյ հովանիին ներքեւ հիւրընկալուեցան Ռումանիայէն, Պուլկարիայէն, Եգիպտոսէն եւ ա’յլ երկիրներէ եկած գաղթականները:

Եւ դեռ կարելի է յիշել շատուշատ ծառայութիւններ՝ որոնք այս անոյշ, անպաճոյճ եկեղեցին բերած է եւ կը բերէ բոլո՛ր հայերուն, անխտիր, եւ որոնք քաղցրութեամբ կը յիշեն «27-ի եկեղեցի:

Թո՛ղ Սբ. Լուսաւորչի աջը պահապան ըլլայ բոլորին:

Թող Աստուած իր խաղաղութեան մէջ պահէ բոլոր անոնք՝ որոնք իբրեւ հովիւ, հոգաբարձու, երեսփոխան, դպրաց դասու անդամ, եւ կամ այլապէս, եկած եւ ծառայած են՝ պայծառ պահելու համար եկեղեցին: Եւ Ձեզի, որ հիմա Ձեր ձեռքերուն մէջ ունիք Մայր Եկեղեցին, մէ՛կ խօսք ունինք – յարգեցէք զայն իբրեւ մայր, եւ ծառայեցէք հաւատքով եւ սիրով:”

ՄԵՍՐՈՊ ԱՐՔԵՊԻՍԿՈՊՈՍ ԱՇՃԵԱՆ
ԱՌԱՋՆՈՐԴ
1991

 

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of the Eastern United States
(1998-2018)

Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia (1977-1995) and
Catholicos of All Armenians (1995-1999)

Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian

«Սուրբ Լուսաւորիչ Մայր Եկեղեցին Հիւսիսային Ամերիկայի մէջ այն բացառիկ հոգեւոր ու ազգային տունը եղաւ, որ իր սրբազան կամարներուն տակ հոգեւոր սնունդ ջամբեց Հայոց Ցեղասպանութենէն առաջ եւ ետք Ամերիկայի Միացեալ Նահանգներ հաստատուած պանդուխտ հայորդիներուն եւ դարձաւ հայրենասիրութեան, հիւրընկալութեան եւ ծառայութեան օրրանը:

Որքա՜ն հաւատարմութիւն, հաւատք, զոհողութիւն եւ նուիրում ամբարուած են հոն: Այսուհանդերձ, Մայր Եկեղեցին իր հաւատացեալներով ամրօրէն կառչած մնաց իր սկզբունքներուն, ազգային իր իրաւունքներուն եւ մեր ժողովուրդի տենչերուն: Տակաւին, անիկա վկան եղաւ այն հազարաւոր նորեկներուն, որոնք առաջին անգամ հո՛ն գտան հիւրընկալ հայուն ջերմ սիրտը, եւ իրարու հետ հաց ուտելով հաստատեցին ընտանեկան մտերմիկ սէրն ու ջերմ մթնոլորտը: Այս բոլորը Մայր Եկեղեցին կատարեց, եւ նոյնիսկ աւելին, քանի իր գոյութեան պատճառն ու նպատակը միմիայն ծառայութիւնն էր, հայ հաւատացեալի հոգիին անդորրութիւնը»: 

Օշական Արքեպիսկոպոս Չօլոյեան
Առաջնորդ
2015

 

The Former Prelates of the Eastern Prelacy

Sep 5, 2025

The Former Prelates of the Eastern Prelacy

This week, we reprint the messages of the former Prelates of the Eastern United States.

Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of North America (1961–1973)

Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of the Eastern United States and Canada (1973-1977)

Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia (1977-1995) and
Catholicos of All Armenians (1995-1999)

Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian

Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of the Eastern United States and Canada
(1978-1998)

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan

Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church
of the Eastern United States
(1998-2018)

Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia (1977-1995) and
Catholicos of All Armenians (1995-1999)

Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian

 

To read the messages of the Former Prelates, please visit this page.

Message of the Board of Trustees

Aug 28, 2025

SAINT ILLUMINATOR’S ARMENIAN CATHEDRAL

From the Board of Trustees

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Illuminator’s

This year we mark the 110th anniversary of the founding of our beloved Mayr Yegeghetsi. The inscription over the apse of our Holy Altar reads: “Թագաւոր երկնաւոր, զեկեղեցի քո անշարժ պահեա,” which translates to: “Heavenly King, preserve your Church unshaken.” Those words are not only a central plea of our Christian faith, but also our prayer, year in and year out, that God keep our Mayr Yegeghetsi unshaken and on solid ground.

As we enter our 111th year of faith, service, and tradition and celebrate the 110 years that came before, we find our Mayr Yegeghetsi stronger than it has been in living memory. 

St. Illuminator’s is a Mayr Yegeghetsi in a deeper sense than just being the Cathedral and episcopal seat of our beloved Prelate, H. E. Archbishop Anoushavan. As America’s Ellis Island Church, we are not just a parish church or even a Metropolitan church, but a Cosmopolitan church with a historic reach beyond Manhattan and New York City, to the region, to the Nation, to the World. 

That we continue to maintain an institution with that kind of reach is a testament to our ministry under the tireless and selfless guidance of our pastor and shepherd, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the 20th anniversary of whose ordination we also celebrate in this year of milestones. It is the honor and privilege of this Board to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Der Mesrob and support him with brotherly love. It is our work together that has kept our Mayr Yegeghetsi not only strong, but the relevant and vital Armenian Christian institution it is, a Church that draws back through its doors the descendants of the generations who passed through those same doors when they embarked on their American journeys, along with the many who come to us the first time once they learn about our ministry. 

St. Illuminator’s has traveled a long road that has known hardship and renewal. Today, we stand again in the light. There is nothing inevitable about that. It is Providence smiling upon the hard work we do to sustain our ministry. 

His Holiness Aram I proclaimed 2025 the “Year of the Revitalization of Traditions.” Throughout history, the Armenian Church has been the author, midwife, and vessel of our Armenian Christian and cultural identity divine and secular. Just as we have a sacred Armenian Christian tradition, we also have an Armenian cultural tradition that we hold sacred. We are called as Armenians and duty-bound to honor both. For eleven decades, St. Illuminator’s has played an uncommonly important role in carrying out that sacred obligation. And we continue to honor our long and distinguished history of serving as a place to preserve, renew, and honor our Armenian Christian and cultural heritage. 

We stand on the shoulders of the giants who went before us and built and sustained this humble yet magnificent house of the Lord. We now walk with humility into the future praying that we are worthy of their example. 

As we continue to write the story of our vital, precious, and historic Mayr Yegeghetsi, we ask God’s blessing and for your continuing fellowship, participation, devotion, and support.

Yours most faithfully,

The Board of Trustees