How did a group of Armenian genocide survivors create a spiritual home right here in Lyon? In 1924 a large Armenian community settled in Lyon. Among them were families of the evangelical faith. These families first met in various places. They gathered in American army barracks. They also used a room provided by the Methodist Church on Rue Vendôme.
The Eglise Évangélique Arménienne de Lyon was officially established on April 27 1930. Since 1968 the Armenian Evangelicals have gathered at 4 Rue Paul Diday. This location is in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement.
The main event for the Église Évangélique Arménienne de Lyon is the Sunday service. It typically brings together 80 to 110 people. Prayer meetings and Bible studies are also important.
The Église Évangélique Arménienne de Lyon engages in social work. It supports Armenian refugees through its cultural association ACSPA. This includes providing aid and food.
The Église Évangélique Arménienne de Lyon maintains fraternal relations. It connects with the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Catholic community. The church is an active participant in Lyon’s Armenian community.
The Église Évangélique Arménienne de Lyon is part of APPEL. This is the Association Pastorale Protestante Évangélique de Lyon. It includes about 40 churches and organizations. The church also belongs to the Monchat neighborhood ecumenical group. This group includes the Catholic Church the Reformed Church and the Free Church.
The Armenian Evangelical community of France formed in the 1920s. Reverends Joseph Parsumian Hovhannes Ghazarosian and Krikor Khayikian founded it. In the mid-1920s Lyon had about 100 Armenian Evangelicals. By 1938 France had around 3000 Armenian Evangelicals across 15 centers. These centers had 15 preachers.
The Armenian Evangelical Union of France convened its first council in Lyon. This happened September 24-28 1927. The Église Évangélique Arménienne continues to be a beacon of faith and community for Armenian people in Lyon. It stands as a testament to their resilience and spiritual devotion.