On Sunday, August 30, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will lead a very special Divine Liturgy at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, as it enters a new phase in its historic renovation project.
Worshippers will gather for one last Divine Liturgy in the cathedral before it temporarily closes to begin a comprehensive interior restoration. Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will celebrate the badarak and deliver the homily in what promises to be an unforgettable morning of prayer, thanksgiving, and hope.
Faithful across the Diocese can watch the service as it’s broadcast live on Facebook and the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube platform, starting at 10 a.m. EDT.
On that day, 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 re-open in Spring 2028, in time to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
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 badarak 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.
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.
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 Diocese.