“When will we have our Holy Church in Paris?” That question echoed in 1902. It came from an Armenian newspaper correspondent in Constantinople. The question soon found an answer.
Today we stand before the magnificent Église Apostolique Arménienne. It is also known as the Armenian Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This cathedral is more than just a building. It embodies the Armenian community’s spirit in Paris.
Alexandre Mantashyants was a wealthy Armenian oil magnate from Baku. He learned that the Armenian community in Paris lacked its own church. He found this unacceptable. Touched by the priest’s request, Mantashyants stepped in. He vowed to fund an Armenian Apostolic Church. Singer Armenag Shah-Mouradian, musicologist Komitas, and poet Siamanto joined him. They couldn’t ignore the call.
Mantashyants purchased property near the Champs Élysées. The price was an astronomical 450,000 French francs. He hired Albert Désiré Guilbert a young French architect. The first stone was laid on October 5, 1902. Construction finished in 1904. The total cost reached 1,540,000 French francs.
The cathedral’s pediment stretches 25 meters long and 13 meters wide. It features the Armenian letter “E”. This seventh letter symbolizes “to be” or God. The church was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
Mgr Kévork Utudjian laid the first stone in 1902. The cathedral became the seat of the Armenian Diocese of France. This was established by Catholicos Garéguine II Nersissian.
In front of the Église Apostolique Arménienne, you can see a thirteenth-century stone cross. There is also a statue honoring Armenian volunteers. These volunteers from the French army died for France in World War I.
Inside the Église Apostolique Arménienne, an organ built by Danion-Gonzalez in 1970 stands proudly. It features two 61-note keyboards. It also includes a 32-note pedal board and electric transmissions. The organ boasts 17 stops with 15 real stops.
The Église Apostolique Arménienne is more than a religious site. It is a vibrant cultural hub. It is a testament to the Armenian community’s enduring spirit. It serves as a reminder of their rich heritage in the heart of Paris. A requiem for Charles Aznavour was held here on October 6, 2018. This shows the cathedral’s importance in Armenian life.
The Église Apostolique Arménienne stands as a beacon. It represents faith, community, and artistic expression. Its story echoes through the streets of Paris. It connects the past with the present. It enriches the city’s cultural landscape. It reminds us of the enduring power of community and faith.