Eight stained-glass windows shattered. That’s how many pieces of Saint Peter Armenian Apostolic Church’s heart were broken one day after Armenia’s independence anniversary. This isn’t just any church. It’s the Saint Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys a cornerstone of the Armenian community in Los Angeles.
For over fifty years Saint Peter has been a haven a place of worship and a vibrant hub for Armenians in the San Fernando Valley. Imagine the dreams of the community members in the 1940s and 50s. They yearned for a dedicated space to practice their faith and preserve their rich heritage. They began with a Sunday school in a Masonic Temple. Over 100 children enrolled. The need for their own church was undeniable.
Their perseverance led to the purchase of a two-and-a-quarter-acre parcel. Fundraising banquets supported the construction of Sunday school classrooms and a fellowship hall. The dedication of these buildings was a momentous occasion in 1963. Church services initially took place in the fellowship hall. Then on Pentecost Sunday May 29 1966 the sanctuary was consecrated. Archbishop Torkom Manoogian presided over the ceremony. This marked the culmination of years of hard work devotion and faith.
Father Shnork Demirjian became the parish priest in 1991. He has served the community for many years. The church continues to thrive. It remains a beacon of Armenian culture and spirituality in Los Angeles. The recent vandalism however served as a painful reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities. The attack which Father Demirjian called a premeditated hate crime damaged more than just glass. It aimed to silence a voice. To erase a history.
Yet the spirit of Saint Peter Armenian Apostolic Church remains unbroken. The community stands united. They are repairing the damage. They are continuing their mission. The church continues to welcome everyone. It offers a space for worship for community and for hope. It continues to stand as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Armenian people. Their story is one of strength. Of perseverance. And of unwavering devotion. A story written not just in stone but in the hearts of those who gather within these walls.