Pause for a moment and imagine Armenian migrants arriving in Montreal. The story of the \u00c9glise Arm\u00e9nienne is deeply intertwined with the Armenian community. It began modestly and grew into a vibrant center of faith and culture.
Let’s explore the history of the \u00c9glise Arm\u00e9nienne. In 1908, only six young Armenians lived in Montreal. Soon, others joined them from Turkish Armenia. After the Armenian Genocide, more relatives arrived. This formed the future Armenian community of Montreal. It consisted of about 50 people.
In the early 1940s, mass was held periodically in a space provided by St Johns Anglican Church. Rev Fr Zkon Tcharkhougian visited from the United States to lead these services. In 1948, Archbishop Diran Nersoyan formed an administrative body. He was the Primate of all Armenians in America. This happened during his visit to Montreal.
Immigration law changes in 1952 brought roughly 250 Armenians from Greece. Most settled in Montreal. After major events in Istanbul in 1956 and the civil war in Egypt in the late 1950s, many Armenians came to Canada. A third wave arrived in 1975 with the Lebanese civil war. Small groups continued to arrive from Ethiopia, Iran, and the Middle East. By this point, the Armenian population in Montreal numbered around 30000.
Regular Sunday masses began in the 1950s. Church sub-committees worked actively. In 1957, the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church of Montreal was officially registered with the government.
The Canadian Armenian population grew rapidly. In 1967, the Diocesan Council of the Eastern Armenians of America established the Substitute Primacy of Canada. Archbishop Torkom Manoukian appointed Bishop Vatche Hovsepian as Substitute Primate. Montreal became the headquarters.
The Parish Council decided to purchase two sub-buildings on Parc Avenue. They planned to build a church on that land in the future. In 1964, a construction committee was formed. In 1965, Archbishop Syon Manoukian held a fundraising event. It raised 37000 dollars for the church construction. In 1967, the Annual General Meeting decided to buy land on Henry Bourassa Street. In 1968, Patriarch Vasken I blessed the land. Architecture and Ladies Auxiliary Committees were then formed.
In 1969, the Fairmount St Gilles United Church was put up for sale. It was announced during the 100th-anniversary celebration of Father Gomidas. The Annual General Meeting decided to purchase it for 250000 dollars. On Easter Sunday, Bishop Vatche Hovsepian led his first mass there. Donations poured in including 100000 dollars from Alex Manoogian. On June 20, 1969, the Parish Council assembly signed the documents.
Built in 1929, the church could hold 750 parishioners. It included a main hall named Marie Manoogian Hall after the benefactor. A smaller hall on the second floor was renovated by the Karibyan family and called Karibyan Hall. The AGBU Armen-Quebec Alex Manoogian School of Montreal, the first Armenian daily school, opened there in September 1970. Krikor Mazmanian from Boston funded the Armenian altar. Architect Zaven Baykar also from Boston designed it. On December 6, 1970, the church was officially consecrated. Archbishop Shenork Kaloustyan of Istanbul led the ceremony. The church was renamed St Gregory the Illuminator.
Owning the premises created financial challenges. Thanks to parishioners and the Parish Councils, the mortgage was paid off in less than 10 years. The United Church initially kept an office there. They held their masses every Sunday but eventually left due to dwindling numbers.
The church flourished. Many committees were created including the Komitas Choir and the Ladies Auxiliary Committee.
In 1980, Patriarch Vazken I approved the establishment of an independent Diocese for Canadian Armenians. In 1984, Very Rev Vazken Keshishian was elected as the first Primate of Armenians of Canada. The second floor of the church became the primate’s official residence.
In 2004, the Sourp Hagop Armenian Church became a Cathedral.
The \u00c9glise Arm\u00e9nienne has undergone several renovations over the years. This ensures that it remains a cherished place of worship. Its story reflects the resilience and dedication of Montreal’s Armenian community. They built a spiritual home and a lasting legacy.