Imagine being transported to a sanctuary of faith. St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church stands as a testament to Toronto’s vibrant Armenian community.
Established in 1983, St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church has served as a beacon of faith. It is located in the North York district. The church belongs to the Holy See of Cilicia.
Toronto’s Armenian Community Centre and A.R.S. Day School opened in 1979. The Holy See of the Catholicosate of Cilicia lacked an Armenian Church. A petition in 1983 led to the approval to found a new church. The Prelacy of Canada and Eastern United States granted this.
Archimandrite Khajag Hagopian became St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church’s first pastor in 1983. Services were held at St. Augustine Anglican Church until a new church was built.
On August 16, 1987, the foundation was laid for the new church building. On May 27, 1990, the new building was consecrated. The first Holy Mass was celebrated. The church was officially named St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.
In the spring of 2012, St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church underwent renovations. This was under the auspices of Archbishop Khajag Hagopian.
St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church has junior and senior choirs. It also has ten auxiliaries and committees. Over 250 volunteers contribute. The church is very active in community matters. This includes assisting elderly community members and the needy. St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church upholds its Christian mission. It holds weekly Bible study sessions. It provides Sunday school education to children. Throughout the year, the church Pastor and Board of Trustees organize several events. These include concerts, dinners, bazaars, and a yearly summer festival.
St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church actively participates in inter-denominational activities. It maintains connections with its sister churches. It continues to be an integral part of Toronto’s Armenian community.
Since its establishment, St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church has grown. Over 2500 Divine Liturgies have been celebrated. More than 3000 services have been conducted. Over a thousand children have been baptized. More than a thousand couples have been wedded. All this is done in the name of faith.
Pastors who have served St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church include Khajag Hagopian. He served from April 10, 1983 to December 9, 1994. Shahe Panossian served from December 9, 1994 to December 19, 2002. Stepanos Pashayan served from November 3, 2014 to January 7, 2016. Keghart Kosbakian served from April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019. Gomidas Panossian served from August 2012 to December 31, 2018. Vartan Tashjian served from July 1, 2019 to September 1, 2024. Datev Mikaelian has served from September 1, 2019. Karekin Shkherdemian has served from December 1, 2024.
St Mary Armenian Apostolic Church stands as a symbol of faith. It represents community and tradition. Its doors are open to all who seek solace. It offers spiritual enrichment.