Climb the steps and meet me at the entrance of the Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon. This church is not just a building. It is a testament to faith. It is a symbol of the Armenian community’s resilience.
The Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon stands proudly in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement. It is located at 40 rue d’Arménie. The church is also known as Église Sourp Hagop. It serves as a vital religious center. It is dedicated to Saint Jacques de Nisibe.
Construction started in 1954. The church was finally consecrated in 1963. Monseigneur Sérovpé Manoukian presided over the ceremony. The project was funded by popular subscription. Garabed Hagopian was the primary benefactor.
In 2023, the Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon celebrated its 60th anniversary. Religious musical and cultural events marked this milestone. The church has been a place of worship for decades. It continues to be a vibrant part of the community.
Step inside the Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon. Imagine the Divine Liturgy. It is celebrated every Sunday at 10 AM. Matins precede it at 8:30 AM. The liturgy is in ancient Armenian. It is called krapar. French translations are available for the faithful. The homily is delivered in modern Armenian. Sometimes it is in French.
The Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon plays a central role in the Armenian community. It hosts baptisms. These ceremonies welcome new members into the Christian community. Funerals are held here. They provide solace and commemorate the lives of the departed. Marriages are celebrated. They unite couples in a sacred bond. Requiems offer prayers. They seek rest for the souls of the deceased.
Major renovations occurred starting January 9 2023. They lasted until April 1st. During this time the church was inaccessible. The community eagerly awaited its reopening.
Monseigneur Norvan Zakarian once served at Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon. He was elected head of the Diocese of France in 2007. Father Garabed Harutyunyan became the rector in September 2009. He was born in 1971 in Etchmiadzine. He is dedicated to ensuring the church is a true house of God.
Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon celebrated its patron saint’s feast day. Saint Jacques de Nisibe’s feast is celebrated on the Saturday nearest December 15th. A solemn liturgy takes place the next day. Saint Jacques was the first bishop of Nisibe. He was also a relative of Saint Grégoire l’Illuminateur.
The Église arménienne Saint-Jacques de Lyon stands as a testament. It reflects the enduring spirit of the Armenian people in Lyon. Its history is rich. Its future is bright. It continues to be a spiritual and cultural anchor.