Join Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan on August 30 for a special Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral, before its restoration enters a new phase.
For nearly six decades, St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral has been the spiritual heart of Armenian Americans across the Eastern Diocese. Within its walls, generations have been baptized, married, ordained, comforted in times of sorrow, and strengthened in faith. It has welcomed three Catholicoi of All Armenians, gathered our people in moments of national triumph and tragedy, and stood as a visible witness to the Armenian Christian presence in New York City.
On Sunday, August 30, our Diocesan family will gather for one more Divine Liturgy in the cathedral before it begins its comprehensive interior restoration. Celebrated by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, this promises to be an unforgettable morning of prayer, thanksgiving, and hope. The immortal sacred music of the badarak will be rendered by the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir.
Rather than saying goodbye, we will commend our beloved cathedral to the work of renewal that will prepare it to serve the faithful for generations to come. The restoration project, already marked by the successful completion of its exterior phase, will transform the cathedral’s interior—including the installation of a new pipe organ—while preserving the beauty and dignity that have inspired worshippers since its consecration in 1968. The cathedral is projected to reopen in Spring 2028, in time to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Plans call for the August 30 Divine Liturgy to be broadcast over the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube channel. Following the service, all are invited to a fellowship hour featuring a special musical performance by violinist Sami Merdinian.
Although this historic service marks the beginning of the cathedral’s restoration, it does not mark the end of the Cathedral community’s life of worshipping together. Beginning on September 13, the St. Vartan Cathedral community will gather each Sunday for Divine Liturgy at the nearby Catholic Church of Our Saviour (59 Park Ave., at 38th St., New York) while the Diocesan Center continues its ministries throughout the renovation period.
Whether you are able to join us in person or online, we hope you will be part of this memorable day in the life of our cathedral.
Click the following links to view a flyer for the August 30 service, and to learn details of the service schedule during the cathedral renovation.