Surp Vartanans

In 1859, a small Armenian community in Feriköy, Istanbul, dreamt of a place to call their own. They laid the foundation for Surp Vartanants Church. Surp Vartanants, meaning “Holy Vartanants,” was meant to be a beacon of faith and community. Unfortunately, their resources ran short, leaving the church half-built. The story of Surp Vartanants is one of resilience and community. The Pera Church, seeing their plight, stepped in to complete the construction. In 1861, Surp Vartanants Church finally opened its doors. The land upon which it stood was a gift from a Syriac named Fethullah. Years later, in 1903, a generous benefactor, Zenop Bey Merametciyan, funded a complete restoration. His contributions extended beyond the church. He also built the Merametciyan school next door in 1912. Surp Vartanants continued to evolve. By 1929, plans were underway for a new, grander structure built of brick. The design, overseen by Keğam Kavafyan, the director of the Getronagan school, brought a new vision to life. In 1931, Patriarch Mesrob I. Naroyan consecrated the rebuilt Surp Vartanants, marking a new chapter. More recently, in 2006, the church underwent another major renovation. Patriarch Mesrob II presided over the re-consecration. Just a few years later, in 2011, after a final restoration, Archbishop Aram Ateşyan blessed Surp Vartanants. The church stands today as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Armenian community. It represents a blend of history, faith, and the generosity of those who ensured its survival.