Have you ever wondered about the story behind a building? Just imagine, for a moment, that this Cathedral of Saint-Cross of Paris of Armenians tells us about its past and how it found its true purpose. Stand here and picture in your mind an old Parisian neighborhood filled with the clatter of horses and the scent of bread baking in the street. This site once held a simple chapel for the Capuchin friars. They served as volunteer firemen in that time. But the chapel was more than just a place of worship. Imagine what a sight it would be when the friars went out to extinguish fires, with the flames reflecting on the faces of the men, their faces lit with a mix of fear and courage. This little chapel was a vital part of the community.
The chapel later became Saint-Francis of Assisi church and remained so until 1970. It was then the Armenian Church, that faced the challenge of needing a place for its parish, came to this church. It was a chance encounter. The Armenian Church found an unexpected home in this building. It was not just a random event. It was fate, as if the building was waiting to be found by the Armenians.
Now, if you notice, the entranceway was built in 1855 by Victor Baltard. He mixed architectural elements from Romantic and Renaissance periods. There are statues of both St. Francis and St. John the Baptist, they are a reminder of this building’s past lives. Here, you see it wasn’t just a church, it was a landmark. Its architecture was an evolution of the times.
As you now look inside, you are stepping into a temple of tradition. There is a Saint Francis in ecstasy statue and a Saint Denis sculpted by the Marsy brothers. They are only two of the precious artworks hidden here. This was an era when the Catholic Church thrived in Paris. But there is more than just art here. This church is a testament to resilience, a building that has seen many changes in its history. It is also a bridge of connection, uniting the past and present, the Armenian and French communities under its roof.