Armenian religion in Cyprus

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Like most communities of the Armenian Diaspora, the Armenian-Cypriot community is predominantly Armenian Apostolic (about 95%). Some 5% belong either to the Armenian Evangelical Church, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Latin Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, the Anglican Church, the Plymouth Brethren Church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church or they are Jehovah's Witnesses; of this 5%, historically the most significant groups have been Armenian Evangelicals, who in the 1940s and 1950s comprised about 10% of the Armenian-Cypriot community, and Armenian-Catholics, who have been on the island since the time of the Crusades.

Armenian Prelature of Cyprus

The building of the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus in Strovolos, Nicosia

The Armenian Prelature of Cyprus (Առաջնորդարան Հայոց Կիպրոսի) was established in 973 by Catholicos Khatchig I and ever since it has maintained a continuous presence on the island. In the years that followed, some of its Prelates participated in important church synods, such as Tateos (who participated in the Council of Hromkla in 1179), Nigoghaos (who participated in the Synod of Sis in 1307) and Krikor (who participated in a conference of Greek Orthodox Bishops in Cyprus in 1340). The antiquity of the Armenian Church in Cyprus was confirmed by a bull of Pope Leo X, which was issued in 1519 after multiple discords, according to which the Armenian Prelate would be senior to and take precedence over the Maronite, Jacobite and Coptic Prelates.

Historically, the Prelature has been under the jurisdiction of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, while today it is the oldest theme that falls under its jurisdiction. In the past, for various reasons, it was at times under the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem (1775–1799, 1812–1837, 1848–1861, 1865–1877, 1888–1897, 1898–1908), the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople (1799–1812, 1861–1864, 1877–1888, 1897–1898, 1908–1921), even the Catholicosate of Etchmiadzin (1864–1865). Cyprus was the place of refuge for two exile Patriarchs of Constantinople, Archbishop Tavit Areveltsi (1644-1648) and Senior Archimandrite Krikor Basmadjian (1773-1775). The current Prelate, a Catholicosal Vicar General, is as of 2014 Archbishop Nareg Alemezian. The parish priest in Nicosia is Fr. Momik Habeshian (since 2000), while the parish priest in Larnaca and Limassol is Fr. Mashdots Ashkarian (since 1992).

For centuries, the Prelature building was located within the Armenian compound in Victoria street in walled Nicosia; when that area was taken over by Turkish-Cypriot extremists in 1963–1964, the Prelature was temporarily housed in Aram Ouzounian street (1964–1968) and, later on, in Kyriakos Matsis street in Ayios Dhometios (1968–1984). Thanks to the efforts of Bishop Zareh Aznavorian and with financial aid from the Evangelical Church of Westphalia, the new Prelature building was erected in 1983, next to the Virgin Mary church and the Nareg school in Nicosia, by architects Athos Dikaios & Alkis Dikaios; it was officially inaugurated on 4 March 1984, during the pastoral visit of Catholicos Karekin II. By initiative of Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, in 1998 the basement of the building was renovated and the “Vahram Utidjian” Hall was formed; previously a store room, it became a reality from the proceeds of the auction in 1994 of the art collection that Vahram Utidjian had donated to the Prelature in 1954. It was inaugurated on 3 February 1999 by Catholicos Aram I; numerous charity, communal and cultural events take place there. The Prelature’s consistory houses a collection of ecclesiastical relics, some of which were previously in the old Virgin Mary church or the Magaravank.

The Armenian Ethnarchy of Cyprus with Catholicos Aram I (2008)

The current Charter of the Prelature, first drafted in 1945 and ratified in 1950, consists of 102 articles and, in its present form, applies as of 3 September 2010. The administration is exercised by the Armenian Ethnarchy (Ազգային Իշխանութիւն) through the Diocesan Council [Թեմական Ժողով (Temagan Joghov), consisting of the Prelate, two priests and twelve elected lay persons - 7 for Nicosia, 3 for Larnaca, 1 for Limassol and 1 for Famagusta] and the Administrative Council [Վարչական Ժողով (Varchagan Joghov), presided by the Prelate and consisting of seven lay persons appointed by the Temagan], currently chaired by Sebouh Tavitian (as of 2007) and John Guevherian (as of 2011), respectively. As of 1998, the elected Representative is ex officio a member of the Diocesan Council. There are also the local parish committees (թաղական հոգաբարձութիւններ, one in Nicosia, one in Larnaca and one in Limassol), the committee for Christian instruction (Քրիստոնէական դաստիարակութեան յանձնախումբ) and the Ladies’ committee (Տիկնանց յանձնախումբ). Under the committee for Christian instruction are the Sunday schools (Կիրակնօրեայ վարժարաններ) and the youth committee (երիտասարդական յանձնախումբ).

According to the Decision of the Council of Ministers 66.589/19–12–2007, the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus receives an annual grant of €59.800 by the Republic of Cyprus; the Republic also pays the salaries of the Prelature's clergy and covers their medical and health care (Decision of the Council of Ministers 48.166/22–07–1998). The same arrangements apply for the Maronite Archbishopric of Cyprus and the Latin Vicariate of Cyprus (the latter, however, receives an annual grant of €51.260).

List of Prelates

Below is the list of Prelates of the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus, according to available information. Unfortunately, there are some gaps:

Year Prelate Year Prelate Year Prelate Year Prelate Year Prelate
... 1179 ... Bishop Tateos 1679 Archimandrite Vartan 1822 Archimandrite Kapriel 1874–1876 Archimandrite Mesrob Ghaltakhdjian 1936–1940 Archimandrite Barouyr Minassian
... 1307 ... Bishop Nigoghaos 1704–1705 Archimandrite Minas 1827–1833 Archimandrite Haroutiun 1876–1877 Archimandrite Garabed Pakradouni 1940–1946 archpriest Khoren Kouligian
... 1340 ... Bishop Krikor 1715 Archimandrite Tavit 1837–... Bishop Hovhannes 1878–1880 archpriest Hovhannes Hunkiarbeyendian 1946–1957 Bishop Ghevont Chebeyan
1421–1425 Bishop Levon 1715–1735 Archimandrite Haroutiun 1842–1843 Patriarch Zakaria Gopetsi 1880–1881 Archimandrite Zakaria Yeghissian 1957–1958 archpriest Khoren Kouligian
1446–1467 Bishop Sarkis 1718 Archimandrite Tateos 1844 Archimandrite Tateos 1881–1883 Archimandrite Movses Geomrukdjian 1958–1967 Senior Archimandrite Yervant Apelian
1504–1515 Bishop Tavit 1736 Archimandrite Mardiros 1846–1848 Archbishop Hovhannes 1884 priest Hovhannes Papazian 1967–1968 priest Vazken Sandrouni
1553–1567 Bishop Ghougas 1744–1745 Bishop Tavit 1848 Bishop Hovhannes Yetessian 1885–1889 priest Hovhannes Shahinian 1968–1973 Senior Archimandrite Arsen Avedikian
1567 Bishop Hovhannes 1751–1753 Archimandrite Hovsep 1851 Archimandrite Kevork 1889–1896 Archimandrite Khoren Portoukalian 1974–1977 Bishop Nerses Pakhdigian
1568 Bishop Hovhannes 1773–1775 Senior Archimandrite Krikor Basmadjian 1854 Bishop Hovhannes Mamigonian 1896–1897 priest Ghevont Der Nahabedian 1977–1983 Bishop Zareh Aznavorian
1581 hieromonk Sdepanos 1779 Bishop Mardiros 1856 Bishop Apraham Bulbul 1897–1899 priest Hovhannes Shahinian 1983–1997 Senior Archimandrite Yeghishe Mandjikian
1618 monk Vartan 1783–1789 Bishop Hagop 1857–1859 Archimandrite Boghos 1899–1905 Archimandrite Bedros Saradjian 1997–2014 Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian
1642 Archimandrite Mesrob 1799–1812 Archbishop Hovhannes 1859–1861 Archimandrite Atanas 1906–1909 Archimandrite Yeremia Liforian 2014-... Archbishop Nareg Alemezian
1644-1647 Archbishop Tavit 1812 Archimandrite Bedros ...–1865 Archimandrite Tateos Yeretsian 1910–1912 priest Ghevont Der Nahabedian
1665 Abbot Sahag 1814 Archimandrite Sdepanos 1865–1867 Archimandrite Ghougas Khanigian 1912–1917 priest Sahag Minassian
1668 Archimandrite Hovhannes 1816 Archimandrite Teotoros 1870–1872 Archimandrite Vartan Mamigonian 1918–1919 Senior Archimandrite Yervant Perdahdjian
1670 Bishop Melidon 1817–1819 Bishop Tionesios Garabedian 1872–1873 Archimandrite Movses Geomrukdjian 1920 Archbishop Taniel Hagopian
1675–1695 Archimandrite Sarkis 1821 Archimandrite Sdepanos 1873–1874 Archimandrite Maghakia Derounian 1921–1936 Archbishop Bedros Saradjian

Armenian Evangelical Church

The first Armenian Evangelicals in Cyprus came after the arrival of the British in July 1878. As they were not committed, and very few, they quickly became associated with the Mother Church (Armenian Apostolic Church), such as Apisoghom Utidjian, the official state documents translator - and the son of Stepan Utidjian, one the original founders of the Armenian Evangelical Church -, who served as Chairman of the Nicosia parish council for 30 years. With the influx of more Protestants, Armenian Evangelicals became affiliated with the Reformed Presbyterian Church as early as 1887. Although the main centres were Nicosia and Larnaca, gatherings were occasionally held in Limassol, Famagusta and Amiandos. In Larnaca, gatherings were held at the Reformed Presbyterian Mission church (built in 1892 and re-built in 1901–1902). In Nicosia, gatherings were initially held at the Reformed Presbyterian Mission church (built in 1906–1907), until Armenian Evangelicals built their own church in 1946–1947 behind the old American Academy building, near the Arab Ahmed Pasha mosque; its foundation stone was laid on 28 July 1946 by pastor Yohanna der Megerditchian, who dedicated it on 1 June 1947. The building was renovated in 1955, while a kitchen was added in 1959.

In 1933, the newly formed Cyprus Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church divided its congregations into Armenian and Greek councils. Armenian Evangelicals were granted provisional autonomy from the Reformed Presbyterian Mission in 1954, which was formalised in 1962. In Larnaca, as Armenian Evangelicals dwindled after the inter-communal troubles of 1963–1964, services were no longer held; in Nicosia, the Armenian Evangelical church was taken over by Turkish-Cypriot extremists during the 1963–1964 inter-communal troubles and so services were then held at the American Academy chapel (built in 1955) until 1973.

After nearly 30 years of inactivity, by initiative of Nevart Kassouni-Panayiotides and Lydia Gulesserian (†) and with the help of Hrayr Jebejian, Executive Secretary of the Bible Society in the Gulf, Armenian Evangelicals were re-organised at the Greek Evangelical church in Larnaca in 2002. Since 2005, when Hrayr Jebejian moved to Cyprus, services are held every few months at the Greek Evangelical church in Nicosia. Also, the Armenian Evangelical Church organizes a few lectures in Nicosia. The following is a list of the Armenian Reverends and preachers in charge of the Armenian Evangelical community of Cyprus.

Headmaster Term Jurisdiction Headmaster Term Jurisdiction Headmaster Term Jurisdiction
Reverend Haroutiun Sarkissian 1898–1905 Cyprus Reverend Hagop Sagherian 1946–1954 Cyprus preacher Aram Sarkissian 1964–1966 Cyprus
Reverend Siragan G. Aghbabian 1920–1932 Cyprus preacher Manuel Kassouni 1954–1962 Larnaca preacher Mihran Jizmejian 1967–1973 Cyprus
Reverend Haroutiun Manoushagian 1922–1927 Nicosia preacher Nshan Halvadjian 1954–1964 Nicosia preacher Hrayr Jebejian 2005– Cyprus
Reverend Yohanna Der Megerditchian 1933–1947 Cyprus preacher Levon Yergatian 1962–1964 Nicosia, Limassol

Armenian Catholic Church

The Bellapais Abbey (early 20th century)

Armenian-Catholics first came to the island during the Frankish Era from the nearby Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. It is unclear whether they had their own structure during the Latin Era or if they were under the Latin Church of Cyprus, as has been the case since the Ottoman Era. What we do know is that Armenian-Catholics used Saint Lazarus' basilica in Larnaca, the Holy Cross church in Nicosia (probably Arablar Djami/Stavros tou Missirikou) and the Virgin Mary of the Green (de Vert) in Famagusta, which was built between 1311-1317. Armenian-Catholic monks and nuns also served at the Premonstratensian Bellapais Abbey and the Benedictine Notre Dame de Tyre convent in Nicosia, respectively. The only Armenian-Catholic Bishops' names which have survived until today are George Noreghes, appointed by Latin Archbishop of Cyprus Elias de Nabineaux circa 1340, and the Dominican Julio or Julian Stavriano, who served as Bishop of the Armenians (1561-1567) and later became Bishop of the Maronites (1567-1570); he started as Armenian Orthodox and later he embraced Catholicism. The latter's flock included about 1.000 Armenians and he used Saint Sergius' church in Famagusta.

During the Ottoman Era, there was a very limited conversion of Armenian Orthodox to Catholicism, mainly due to the proselytising activities of the Franciscan mission in Nicosia and Larnaca, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries; however, these must have been temporary apostasies and their number never exceeded 50 at any given time. In 1794 the small (and perhaps newly formed) Armenian Catholic community of Larnaca was granted some holy chalices from the auction of the belongings of the old Capuchin monastery of the town.

The Holy Cross cathedral in Nicosia (early 20th century)

It was during the British Era that the Armenian-Catholic community increased in number, due to the arrival of a large number of refugees from the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923). In 1931, there were about 200 Armenian-Catholics in Cyprus, rather poor, and many of them were middle-aged. Most of them became attached to the Latin places of worship, especially the Holy Cross cathedral in Nicosia and Saint Joseph's convent in Larnaca; between 1921-1923, the latter housed a small Armenian-Catholic school, run by Abbot Jean Kouyoumdjian - who served at the convent between 1921-1928. There was also another Armenian-Catholic cleric, Archimandrite Arsène Khorassandjian, who also served in Larnaca (and, at times, at the Holy Cross cathedral and the Terra Santa school in Nicosia), between 1931-1959.

In 1960, there were less than 100 Armenian-Catholics. However, their number decreased in the following years, due to emigration to other countries and assimilation with the Armenian-Cypriot, the Latin-Cypriot and/or the Greek-Cypriot community. However, due to the influx of Lebanese-Armenians to Cyprus since the mid-1970s, there has been a small increase in the number of Armenian-Catholics on the island. Currently, local Armenian-Catholics are less than 20, in addition to about 30 foreign Armenians.

Places of worship

There are five Armenian churches, two in the capital Nicosia (one under Turkish occupation since 1964) and one in each Larnaca, Limassol and Famagusta; the latter has been occupied by the Turks since 1964. Additionally, there are three Armenian chapels in the vicinity of Nicosia and one within the Magaravank complex, the latter under also under Turkish occupation since 1974. There is also an Armenian Evangelical church in Nicosia (under Turkish occupation since 1964). Finally, there is the renowned Magaravank, under Turkish occupation since 1974.

Nicosia

Virgin Mary church in Strovolos, Nicosia

The building of the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus and the Virgin Mary [Սուրբ Աստուածածին (Sourp Asdvadzadzin)] cathedral are located in Armenia street in Strovolos, Nicosia. The Prelature building was built between 1983–1984 by architects Athos Dikaios & Alkis Dikaios and was inaugurated on 4 March 1984 by Catholicos Karekin II of Cilicia. The Prelature's consistory houses a collection of ecclesiastical relics, some of which were previously kept at the Magaravank or the old Virgin Mary church; the relics are kept at a display case, donated in 1986 by brothers Garabed and Nshan Arakchindjian. The Prelature's basement is the “Vahram Utidjian” Hall, which was inaugurated on 3 February 1999 by Catholicos Aram I. The hall, previously a store room, became a reality thanks to the initiative of Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, using proceeds from the auction in 1994 of the art collection that Vahram Utidjian had donated to the Prelature in 1954. It is one of the main venues for events of the Armenian-Cypriot community. Together with the Virgin Mary church and the Nareg Armenian School, the land was granted in trust to the community on 16 December 1966 by the government; on 10 December 1979, Strovolos Improvement Board decided to rename the road in front of the plot of land from “Cyclops street” to “Armenia street”, as a gesture of solidarity to the Armenian people. A freehold title deed on the land was granted on 31 March 1983.

The Virgin Mary cathedral was built between 1976–1981 by architects Iacovos & Andreas Philippou, with financial help from the World Council of Churches, the Evangelical Church of Westphalia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus and the faithful. Located next to Nareg Elementary School, its foundation stone was laid on 25 September 1976 by Archbishop Makarios III and Bishop Nerses Pakhdigian. On 16 April 1978, the Co-adjutor Catholicos Karekin II blessed the 16 columns of the church, while the inauguration and consecration of the cathedral took place on 22 November 1981 by Catholicos Khoren I and his Co-adjutor Karekin II. It is the only church in Cyprus built in a traditional Armenian style, with a central octagonal dome and a smaller dome for the bell. The church was renovated externally in late 2005 in memory of the Tutundjian family, killed in the Helios air accident, while the belfry was also repaired that year, in memory of archpriest der Vazken Sandrouni.[1] Liturgies are held every Sunday. The church celebrates on the nearest Sunday to 21 November, feast day of the Presentation of Mary. The parish priest (as of 2000) is Fr. Momik Habeshian.

The façade of the Virgin Mary church
Saint Paul's chapel in Nicosia
Holy Resurrection chapel in Ayios Dhometios
Saviour of All chapel in Strovolos

The church was renovated internally in mid–2008. Many of its icons are the work of Lebanese-Armenian painter Zohrab Keshishian. It is interesting that just below the holy altar, there is a khachkar (cross-stone) donated by the Holy See of Etchmiadzin. On top of the church's entrance there is a marble inscription in Armenian reading:

Կառուցաւ սուրբ եկեղեցիս յանուն Սրբուհւոյ Աստուածածնին ի հայրապետութեան Տ. Տ. Խորենայ Ա. Կաթողիկոսի եւ Աթոռակցի Նորին Տ. Տ. Գարեգին Բ. Կաթողիկոսի եւ յառաջնորդութեան Տ. Զարեհայ Եպիսկոպոսի Ազնաւորեան սրտադիր ջանիւք ամենայն զաւակայ Թեմիս Հայոց Կիպրոսի, եւ առատապարգեւ օժանդակութեամբ Միացեալ Եկեղեցւոյն Վեսթֆալիոյ եւ ձեռնտուութեամբ բարեխնամ կառավարութեամբ Կիպրոսի ի թուին Հայոց ՌՆԼ. Եւ փրկչական 1981 թուին (This holy temple by the name of the Holy Mother of God was constructed during the pontificate of Catholicos Mr Mr Khoren I and His Co-adjutor Catholicos Mr Mr Karekin II and during the prelacy of Bishop Mr Zareh Aznavorian with the whole-hearted efforts of all the children of the Armenian Diocese of Cyprus, and the generously donated support of the Westphalia United Church and the assistance of the attentive government of Cyprus in the year 1430 of the Armenians and the year of our Lord 1981)

On the two columns facing the entrance are the following two aluminium commemorative plaques in Armenian:

Նորոգեցաւ զանգակատունս ի յիշատակ Տ. Վազգէն Ա. Քհնյ. Սանտրունիի 2005 (This belltower was renovated in memory of Archpriest Der Vazken Sandrouni 2005)
Նորոգեցաւ եկեղեցիս ի յիշատակ Յակոբ, Հիլտա, Արա, Պարէթ Թիւթիւնճեանի 2005 (This church was renovated in memory of Hagop, Hilda, Ara, Baret Tutundjian 2005)

On the side of the church there is a marble inscription in Greek reading:

Ο ιερός ούτος ναός της Παναγίας των Αρμενίων εθεμελιώθη υπό της Α. Μ. του Προέδρου της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας Αρχιεπισκόπου Μακαρίου Γ' την 25ην Σεπτεμβρίου 1976 (The foundation of this holy temple of the Mother of God of the Armenians was laid by H. B. the President of the Republic of Cyprus Archbishop Makarios III on 25 September 1976)

In front of the church's entrance is a white marble khachkar (cross-stone) dedicated to the eternal friendship of Armenians and Greeks in Cyprus; it was unveiled on 21 October 2001 by Presidential Commissioner Manolis Christophides. To the side of the church's entrance is the bronze bust of Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian; it was unveiled on 1 May 2005 by Italian-Armenian donator Aleco Bezigian. Finally, in the coutryard of the church is the white marble Armenian Genocide Monument; it was unveiled on 24 April 1991 by Senior Archimandrite Yeghishe Madjikian. In 2000, two white marble ossuaries were built in front of it, as well as five small sandstone khachkar-like columns.

In the old Armenian cemetery, near the Ledra Palace hotel (Markos Drakos Avenue), there is the Saint Paul [Սուրբ Պօղոս (Sourp Boghos)] chapel, built in 1892 by donation of Boghos Odadjian. Left unused since the 1963–1964 intercommunal troubles, the chapel and the cemetery fell into disuse. It was restored between 2008–2009, together with the rest of the cemetery, by initiative of Representative Vartkes Mahdessian and the Armenian Ethnarchy of Cyprus. A Liturgy is held once a year since 2010. On top of the chapel's entrance there is a marble inscription in Armenian reading:

Կառուցաւ ս. տաճարս 'ի հիմանց յանուն Ս. Առաքելոցն Պօղոսի արդեամբ բարեպաշտ Օտաճեան Պօղոսի Կ. Պօլսեցւոյ. Յամի Տ՟ռն 1892 (This holy temple was constructed from its foundations by the name of the Holy Apostle Paul by commission of the pious Constantinopolitan Odadjian Boghos in the Lord's Year 1892)

Behind it, from inside the chapel, there is another marble inscription in Armenian reading:

Կառուցաւ մատուռս արդեամբ Օտաճեան Պօպոսի, մասնակցութեամբ արկեղ Եկեղեցւոյ Հայոց ազգի, Յ' Առաջնորդութեամբ Տ. Խորենայ Վարդապէտի, Յ' Ամի Տեառն 1892.ի: (This chapel was constructed by commission of Odadjian Boghos, with the participation of the fund of the Church of the Armenian nation, during the prelacy of Archimandrite Mr Khoren, in the Lord's Year 1892.)

In the Armenian cemetery near Ayios Dhometios (Gregoris Afxentiou Avenue) there is the Holy Resurrection [Սուրբ Յարութիւն (Sourp Haroutiun)] chapel, built in 1938 by donation of Haroutiun Bohdjalian and consecrated in 1949 by Bishop Ghevont Chebeyan. Left unused since the 1974 Turkish invasion, it was renovated in 2010. No Liturgies have been held since 1974. On top of its entrance, there is a marble inscription in Armenian reading:

Ս. Յարութիւն: Շինեցաւ Ս. Յարութիւն մատուռս արդեամբ Տիար Յարութիւն Պօհճալեանի ի յիշատակ իւր եւ իւր ննջեցելոց 1938: (Holy Resurrection. This Holy resurrection chapel was built by commission of Mr Haroutiun Bohdjalian in memory of him and his deceased 1938.)

On the lower part of the southern wall, there is the following well-known inscription in Armenian:

Մահուամբ զմահ կոխեաց եւ Յարութեամբն Իւրով մեզ զկեանս պարգեւեաց (He trampled death with death and through His Resurrection He granted us life)

Finally, the Holy Saviour of All [Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ (Sourp Amenapergitch)] chapel was built between 1995–1996 by architects Athos & Alkis Dikaios and by donation of Aram and Bedros Kalaydjian. Located in Corinth street in Strovolos, Nicosia, within the premises of the Kalaydjian Rest Home for the Elderly, its foundation stone was laid on 15 December 1995 by the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I, who inaugurated it on 16 February 1997.[2] Matins are held regularly. On top of its entrance, there is a marble inscription in Armenian reading:

Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ մատուռ (Holy Saviour of All chapel)

Larnaca

Saint Stephen's church in Larnaca

The church of Saint Stephen [Սուրբ Ստեփանոս (Sourp Stepanos)], in Armenian church street in the city centre, was originally built as a chapel by the Armenian refugees who came to Larnaca after the Adana massacre in 1909. It was built as a replica of Adana's main church and was dedicated to Adana's patron Saint, Saint Stephen. However, as most of the refugees returned, the chapel was left unfinished. After a fund-raising which started on 24 October 1912, the small chapel became a church, whose construction finished on 1 April 1913.

Dedicated to the memory of the martyrs of the Adana massacre, it is the first monument in the entire Armenian Diaspora in memory of the Armenian massacres in the Ottoman Empire. On top of the church's façade there is a commemorative composition featuring the Armenian ethnarch Haig, the last King of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, Levon V, a scroll held by a hand - representing the Ten Commandments - and the four symbols of the Four Evangelists; around King Levon V, there is a commemorative inscription in Armenian:

Ի Յիշատակ Կիլիկիոյ Նահատակաց – 1 Ապր. 1909 (In Memory of the Cilician Martyrs – 1 April 1909)

while under the composition and above the entrance it reads:

Հայկական Մատուռ (Armenian Chapel)

The church was inaugurated on 20 May 1914 by Senior Archimandrite Serovpe Samvelian and was consecrated on 30 June 1918 by Archbishop Taniel Hagopian. Until the early 1940s, there was a small octagonal dome on top of the church. The church was renovated between 1956–1957 and again in 1998. Liturgies are held every other Sunday, in turns with Saint George's church in Limassol. The church celebrates on 25 December, feast day of Saint Stephen. The parish priest (as of 1992) is Fr. Mashdots Ashkarian. To the left and the right of the entrance, there are two marble inscriptions in Armenian: to the left, the inscription reads:

Կառուցաւ մատուռս Յամի Տեառն 1909 (This chapel was constructed in the Lord's Year 1909)

and to the right, the inscription reads:

Նորոգեցաւ մատուռս Յամի Տեառն 1998 (This chapel was renovated in the Lord's Year 1998)

Many of the church's icons are the work of Lebanese-Armenian painter Fr. Hovsep Ashkarian.

Limassol

The church of Sourp Kevork in Limassol

The church of Saint George [Սուրբ Գէորգ (Sourp Kevork)] is built in Vassilis Michaelides street near the city centre, on land donated circa 1935 by Satenig Soultanian, in memory of her father-in-law, Kevork. As the small Armenian community of Limassol could not afford to build a church, a theatre company was formed under Ardashes Bastadjian, giving performances in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol. Together with a contribution by the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus and Stepan Kavafian, the church was built between 1939–1940, while its consecration took place on 11 April 1948 by Bishop Ghevont Chebeyian. The church was renovated between 1975–1976, in 2007 and again in 2015, while in 1989 its bell was made electronic by donation of brothers Garabed and Nshan Arakchindjian. Liturgies are held every other Sunday, in turns with Saint Stephen's church in Larnaca. The church celebrates on the last Sunday of September, feast day of Saint George. The parish priest (as of 1992) is Fr. Mashdots Ashkarian. During the 1975–1976 renovation, the belltower was placed on top of the entrance, while an iron Armenian cross was added during the 2006 renovation, with the inscription in Armenian reading:

Սուրբ Գէորգ եկեղեցի (Saint George's church)

On the lower part of the wall outside the repository, where the belltower used to be, there is another marble inscription in Armenian. It reads:

Նուիրեցաւ ելեկտրական կոչնակս արդեամբ եւ ծախիւք եղբարցն Կարապետ եւ Նշան Արագչինճեանոց Տիգրանակերտցի ի թուին Քս.ի 1989-ի (This electric rattle was offered by commission and expenses of brothers Garabed and Nshan Arakchindjian from Dikranagerd in the year of Christ 1989)

In front of the church is a dark brown tuff stone khachkar (cross-stone), donated by the Arakelyan family; it was unveiled by Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian on 28 September 2008. Next to the church is the Limassol Armenian school.

Turkish-occupied areas


Nicosia

The old Virgin Mary [Սուրբ Աստուածածին (Sourp Asdvadzadzin)] cathedral in Victoria street, currently in the Turkish-occupied part of the walled city of Nicosia near Paphos Gate, also known as Notre Dame de Tyre or Tortosa, was originally a Benedictine/Carthusian Abbey built between 1308–1310, on the site of an older church which had originally been built in 1116 and was destroyed by an earthquake in 1303, where Armenian-Catholic nuns served. Sometime before 1504 it passed into the hands of the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus and it used to be the centre of the Armenian community of Cyprus until it was captured, along with the rest of the Armenian quarter, by Turkish-Cypriot extremists during the 1963–1964 Turkish-Cypriot mutiny and occupied by Turkey during the 1974 Turkish invasion. After the Osmanian occupation of Cyprus in 1570, it was temporarily used as a salt store, until it was returned to the Armenian community by a firman in May 1571; the Armenian ownership of the church was further confirmed by another firman in May 1614. During the period of the Armenian Genocide, many persecuted Armenian refugees sought shelter on its verandah. It was located next to the old Prelature building, the Melikian-Ouzounian school, the Armenian Genocide monument and the Melikian family mansion.

The old Virgin Mary church in old Nicosia prior to its restoration

During the centuries it served the small yet prosperous Armenian community of Nicosia, the church underwent various modifications: in 1688 it was renovated, in 1788 the baptistery was constructed, in 1858 the arches of the northern verandah were built, in 1860 the belfry was constructed - amongst the first in Ottoman Cyprus, a donation by Hapetig Nevrouzian of Constantinople -, in 1884 it was restored, in 1904 the roof was re-built and a renovation took place, in 1945 the upper tier was erected for the choir (by donation of Aram Ouzounian), in 1950 the belfry was restored, while in 1960-1961 the Antiquities Department installed a new floor - after removing the mediaeval tombstones that were previously covered by the carpets. The church celebrated on the nearest Sunday to 21 November, feast day of the Presentation of Mary.

After its illegal occupation in January 1964, it was used as barracks for the Turkish-Cypriot militia, while after its illegal occupation by the Turkish army in July 1974 it continued to be used as barracks for Turkish soldiers, until it suffered further damages by an earthquake in 1998. The site was abandoned and illegal Anatolian settlers inhabited the place until late 2006.

In 2005, the UNDP carried out a preliminary study for the potential restoration of the entire compound, while in 2007 it conducted a feasibility study. Heavily desecrated, its restoration finally started in October 2009 by initiative of the Armenian Ethnarchy of Cyprus and the Armenian Representative, Vartkes Mahdessian. The works were carried out by the UNDP-ACT, with partial funding from USAID, and were completed in November 2012.[3]

The old Armenian Evangelical church in old Nicosia

There was also a small Armenian Evangelical church, located in Mahmoud Pasha street, in the Turkish-occupied part of the walled city of Nicosia - behind the old American Academy building, near the Arab Ahmed mosque. Prior to its erection, Armenian Evangelicals used to worship God at the Reformed Presbyterian church on Apostolos Varnavas street, opposite the old Powerhouse and behind the building of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus. The church - a vision already since the early 1930s - was eventually built thanks to the initiative of pastor Yohanna Der Megerditchian, with the financial contribution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Armenian Evangelical faithful; its architect was Dickran H. Davidian. Its foundation stone was laid on 28 July 1946 by pastor Yohanna der Megerditchian, who dedicated it on 1 July 1947. On the lower part of the right wall to the side of the entrance there is the following inscription in Armenian:

Էփեսացիս Բ:20 - 28 Յուլիս 1946 Նիկոսիա (Ephesians 2:20–28 July 1946 Nicosia)

The church was renovated in 1955, the year when the border fence and the gate were erected; in 1959 a kitchen was added. Unfortunately, during the 1963–1964 intercommunal troubles, the church was taken over by extremist Turkish-Cypriots. Between 1964-1974, the church and the surrounding buildings were used as a school for some time and then as the main military headquarters (sancaktarlık). After that, for a long time the buildings remained empty. Later on, the church was used as a Turkish folk music centre (1987-1997) and as Handicrafts Co-Operative (1997-2011); as of 2011 it is used as a music centre. As with the old Virgin Mary church, no Services have been held since 1964.[2]

Famagusta


The church of Ganchvor [Սուրբ Աստուածածին Կանչուոր (Sourp Asdvadzadzin Ganchvor) or Virgin Mary the Caller] was probably built in 1346 by Armenian refugees who escaped the Mameluke attacks against Ayas of Cilicia. It is located between Kışla and Server Somuncuoğlu streets, in the north-western part of the walled city of Famagusta (next to the Carmelite church) and it is believed it was a part of an important monastic, cultural and theological establishment, at which Saint Nerses of Lambron is said to have studied, and whose foundations survived until the mid-20th century. A scriptorium used to operate in this monastery, manuscripts of which survive at the Armenian Saint James’ Monastery in Jerusalem.

It is unknown when exactly it ceased being used, however it possibly stopped operating already since the mid-Venetian Era. Up until at least 1862, there was a small bell-tower. Unused for more than three and a half centuries, because of Ottoman restrictions, in 1907 it was declared an ancient monument, based on Colonial Antiquities’ Law IV/1905. In the same year, it was repaired by the Antiquities Department, as it was in 1931. In 1932 it was restored, also by the Antiquities Department, which significantly repaired it between 1937-1944 (under the care of Theophilus Mogabgab, Director of Antiquities for Famagusta District), after it was leased to the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus on 7 March 1936, for a period of 99 years - which was achieved after the intervention of Co-adjutor Catholicos of Cilicia, Papken Gulesserian, who had visited the church in 1934, and Archbishop Bedros Saradjian.

The Carmelite church and Ganchvor church

The first Liturgy and its re-consecration were held on 14 January 1945 by Archimandrite Krikor Bahlavouni (also known as “Topal Vartabed”). On 8 March 1957 it was partially burnt by Turkish-Cypriots, but continued to be used as a church until 1962; since then, the Famagusta Armenian community used the church of Ayia Paraskevi, which the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus granted. The church celebrated on the nearest Sunday to 15 August, feast day of the Dormition of the Mother of God. In January 1964 it was taken by extremist Turkish-Cypriots during the 1963–1964 Turkish-Cypriot mutiny and was occupied by Turkey in August 1974 during the 1974 Turkish invasion. Between 1964-1974, it was used as a residence, despite attempts by the Swedish Contingent (SWEDCON) of UNFICYP and others to make other arrangements for the residing family. During the 1974-2005 period, the year in which it was declassified from a “military area”, it was used as a stable and a store room. Until 1974, there were beautiful frescoes on the walls, which today have disappeared. It has been left at the mercy of nature and vandals and it is in need of repairs. No Liturgies have been held since 1964.[2]

The Armenian Orthodox church of the Virgin Mary of Ganchvor should not be confused with the Armenian-Catholic church of Saint Mary the Green (de Vert), whose location is unknown.

Halevga

Panoramic view of the Magaravank (1926)
Multiple views of Magaravank's interior and exterior (1940s)
The interior of Magaravank in 1970

Of great importance is Saint Makarios’ [Սուրբ Մակար (Sourp Magar)] monastery [Մակարավանք (Magaravank), also known as Αρμενομονάστηρο (Greek), Ermeni Manastırı (Turkish) and Armenian Monastery (English)], located within Plataniotissa forest near Turkish-occupied Halevga, on the Pentadhaktylos mountain range - at a height of 530 m. Its vast land (about 8.500 donums), extending up to the coast, included around 30.000 olive and carob trees, whose exploitation was the main source of income for the Armenian Prelature of Cyprus until 1974. The monastery was originally established by Copts circa 1000 AD on a location at which Saint Macarius is said to have been an ascetic; his icon was believed to be miraculous and, until the early 20th century, the Armenian residents of the region - some of whom had found shelter after the Hamidian massacres (1894-1896) - believed they could hear the Saint galloping with his horse at night.

The monastery passed into the hands of the Armenians sometime before 1425. During the Latin Era, its monks were known for their strict diet, while during the Ottoman Era it was known as the Blue Monastery (Armenian: Կապոյտ Վանք/Կէօք Մանասթըր, Turkish: Mavi Manastır, Greek: Κυανούν Μοναστήρι), from the colour of its doors and window blinds. For centuries, it had been a popular place of pilgrimage for Armenians and non-Armenians alike, a way station for pilgrims en route to the Holy Land, as well as a place of recuperation and rest for Armenian Catholicoi and clergymen from Cilicia and Jerusalem (it was the favourite holiday resort for Catholicos Sahag II, who used to ride his horse around its vast lands). Amongst its guests was Abbot Mekhitar of Sebaste, who spent some time there in 1695 on his way to Rome, as well as Hovsep Shishmanian (Dzerents), who - inspired by the visible outline of the distant Taurus mountains, in 1875 - he wrote the historical novel Toros Levoni, set in the times of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia; according to tradition, in 1140 prince Thoros II took refuge here to escape from his persecutors.

The monastery won the favour of the Ottomans: a 1642 firman exempted Armenians from paying taxes for the monastery, whose terms were renewed in 1660 and 1701. The 1650-1750 period is considered its “golden century”, as huge areas of land were purchased or given to the monastery. A large-scale renovation took place between 1734–1735 by Archimandrite Haroutiun, while between 1811–1818 Symeon Agha of Crimea financed a complete restoration and built the present chapel of the monastery. The initial chapel, at the centre of the monastic compound, was destroyed by earthquakes and natural conditions; the present chapel, next to the original one, was inaugurated on 3 January 1814. Renovations and restorations took place also in 1866 (by commission of the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Boghos Taktakian), in 1926 (by commission of Dickran Ouzounian, Ashod Aslanian and Garo Balian), in 1929 (by commission of Boghos and Anna Magarian), between 1947–1949 (by commission of Hovhannes and Mary Shakarian) and again in 1973 (by initiative of the Armenian Ethnarchy of Cyprus). The road linking the monastery to Halevga was constructed in 1926-1927, by commission of Agha Garabed Melkonian, while the square, to the east of the monastery, was constructed in 1933 by commission of Catholicos Sahag II.

For centuries, the monastery had been an important spiritual centre. Until the early 20th century, a large number of exquisite and priceless manuscripts written at the monastery’s scriptorium between 1202-1740, as well as numerous valuable ecclesiastical vessels, were kept here, before they were moved to Nicosia for safe-keeping; since 1947, 56 illuminated manuscripts are at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. It appears that the last monks lived permanently until about 1800. There are two monuments in the vicinity: a commemorative stone column at the square of the monastery, unveiled on 8 September 1933 by Catholicos Sahag II, and a mortar obelisk dedicated to Abbot Mekhitar, on top of the namesake hill to the north-west of the monastery, unveiled on 2 August 1931 by Catholicos Sahag II and Archbishop Bedros Saradjian.

Between 1897-1904, Vahan Kurkjian’s (Pagouran) National Educational Orphanage had its summer sessions here, as did - for the whole year - a small Armenian school for the children of the region until 1914. The area was used as a summer resort and camping site for Armenian scouts and students. In 1948 the Archangels’ fountain was erected, by commission of Kapriel and Arshalouis Kasbarian, which was officially blessed by Bishop Ghevont Chebeyan on 2 May 1948. In 1949 Sarkis and Sourpig Marashlian funded the water distribution network, the turbine and the electric generator. The monastery’s chapel was a favourite place for Christenings. A new baptistery was constructed in 1968 by Karnig Kouyoumdjian. Until 1974, a large number of Armenian-Cypriot families rented rooms in the monastery during the weekends and holidays. On May’s first weekend, Saint Macarius’ feast, many Armenian-Cypriots would visit Magaravank and some of them would rent rooms and help in the preparation of the harissa (chicken porridge). On Sunday, a Liturgy was held at the chapel of the monastery and harissa was served afterwards.

Unfortunately, the monastery was captured by the Turkish troops in August 1974, who later used it to house illegal settlers from Anatolia and, in the 1980s, to house military officers. Left at the mercy of vandals and nature, it has been desecrated and today is dilapidated and in a pitiful condition. Between 1998-1999 and again in 2005, the occupying regime intended to turn it into a hotel; after co-ordinated reactions, this unholy plan was averted. In December 2006 and in July 2008, it was visited by Hrant Dink and Catholicos Aram I, respectively. By initiative of Representative Vartkes Mahdessian and the Armenian Ethnarchy, on 6 May 2007 the first visit-pilgrimage took place there after 33 years; it was repeated on 10 May 2009, 9 May 2010, 8 May 2011, 13 May 2012 and 19 May 2013, with the participation of a large number of Armenian-Cypriots and other Armenians, some of whom came from abroad.[3]

The entrance to Magaravank
Catholicos Aram I and Archbishop Varoujan in front of Sahag's monument

On top of the entrance gate of the monastery there used to be the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian:

Ի յիշատակ ազգ. մեծ բարերար Տիար Կարապետ Մելգոնեանի որ ետ շինել զխճուղի Ս. Մակարայ Վանուց 1926 (In memory of great national benefactor Mr Garabed Melkonian who re-built the macadam road of Sourp Magar's monastery 1926)

Between the entrance and the chapel, on a wall to the left and above the monastery's turbine and generator, there is the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian, the only one surviving within the monastery premises, even though it has been partially defaced:

Շինեցաւ կազմածք ջրաբաշխութեան եւ լուսաւորութեան Ս. Մակարայ Վանուց սրտաբուխ նուիրատուութեամբ Տէր եւ Տիկին Սարգիս Մարաշլեանի 1949 (The equipments of water and light distribution of Saint Macarius' monastery were built by the generous donation of Mr and Mrs Sarkis Marashlian 1949)

In front of the iron gate to the chapel there used to be the following commemorative marble inscriptions in Armenian:

Շինեցաւ զանգակատուն եւ յատակ մատրանս՝ արդեամբ Տիար Կարօ Պալեանի 1926 (The belfry and floor of the chapel were built by commission of Mr Garo Balian 1926)
Շինեցաւ դասս, գաւիթ մատրանս, արդեամբ Տիար Տիգրան Ուզունեանի 1926 (The soleas [and] narthex of this chapel were built by commission of Mr Dickran Ouzounian 1926)

In front of the chapel's door there used to be the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian:

Վերանորոգեցաւ մատուռս սրտաբուխ ծախիւք Տէր եւ Տիկին Յովհաննէս Շաքարեանի ի յիշատակ ննջեցելոց իւրեանց 1947 (This chapel was restored by the generous expenses of Mr and Mrs Hovhannes Shakarian in memory of their deceased 1947)

On top of the chapel's door there used to be the following commemorative marble inscriptions in Armenian:

Վերստին նորոգեցի Սուրբ Անապատս Մեծի Մակարայ Ճգնաւորին ձեռամբ Յարութիւն Վարդապետի: Ի թուին ՌՃՁԴ 1735 [The Holy Hermitage of Macarius the Great was renovated again by the hands of Archimandrite Haroutiun. In the year 1184 (according to the old Armenian dating system) 1735 (according to the global dating system)]
Այց արար մէզ Տէրն Բարձանց, Աստուած եւ Հայրն Ողորմութեանց, ետ նորոգել Վանքս ի հիմանց, յըստորակաց Փրկչին ամաց: Հոգաբարձութբ. ազնիւ Սիմէօն Աղային 1814 Յունվ. 3: (The Lord of the Heavens visited us, the God and Father of Mercy, this Monastery was renovated again from its foundations, by His subordinate in the Saviour's years. Under the direction of the noble Symeon Agha, 3 January 1814.)

In front of the repository there used to be the following commemorative marble inscriptions in Armenian:

Տիար Աշոտ Ասլանեան մասնակցեցաւ աւանդատան նորոգման 1926 (Mr Ashod Aslanian participated in the renovation of the repository 1926)

Under the baptistery there used to be the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian:

Շինեցւ աւազանս մկրտութեան արդեամբ եւ ծախիւք Գառնիկ Մկրտիչ Գույոումճեանի ի յիշատակ ննջեցելոց իւրոյ 1968 (This baptistery was built by commission and expenses of Karnig Mgrditch Kouyoumdjian in memory of his deceased 1968)

In front of the dorter there used to be the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian:

Magaravank's baptistery
Նորոգեցաւ դարպասս արդեամբ Տէր եւ Տիկին Պօղոս եւ Աննա Մակարեանի 1929 (This dorter was renovated by commission of Mr and Mrs Boghos and Anna Magarian 1929)
Շինեցաւ գաւիթ սբյ. տաճարիս արդեամբք բարեսէր Խրմցի մհտսի. Սիմէօն Աղային ի յշտկ. հոգւոյ կենակցւոյն իւրոյ ի Տր. հանգուցեալ Աննայ հոգեսէր Խաթունին դստեր Սարգիս Աղային. Ընթերցողքըդ տուք զողորմիս. Ամէն յամի Տռն. 1818 (The narthex of this holy temple was built by commission of benevolent mahdessi (a person gone on pilgrimage to Jerusalem) Agha Symeon of Crimea in memory of the soul of his deceased companion who rests besides the Lord the devout Anna Khatoun, daughter of Sarkis Agha. You the readers give me your mercy. Amen in the Lord's Year 1818)

In front of the two Moughalian rooms there used to be the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian:

Երկոքին սենեակս շինեցան արդեամբք ժառանգորդաց Արթին Աղա Մուղալեանի 1907 (Both these rooms were built by commission of the heirs of Artin Agha Moughalian 1907)

In front of the other rooms there used to be the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian:

Արար ըզսոյն իւր յիշատակ Ս. Մակարայ Վանիցս սենեակ արգոյ Հաճի Սիմէօն Աղային ընդ ամուսնոյն Խաթուն Աննայն 1814 Յունվ. 3 (These rooms in Saint Macarius Monastery were built by Hadji Symeon Agha for the precious memory of his wife Khatoun Anna 3 January 1814)

On the rooms of the mills there is the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian:

Շինեցաւ ի յիշատակ նուիրատուացն աղօրեաց Տ. Տ. Յովսէփայ եւ Մարտիրոսի Վարդապետացն, 1922 (Built in memory of the mills' donors Archimandrites Hovsep and Mardiros, 1922)

Finally, on the Holy Archangels' fountain, there used to be the following commemorative marble inscription in Armenian, which is now partially defaced:

Գտաւ ակնաղբիւրս այս Սրբոց Հրեշտակապետաց սրտաբուխ նուիրատուութեամբ Տէր եւ Տիկին Գասպարեանի 1948 (This fountain-head of the Holy Archangels was found by the generous donation of Mr and Mrs Kasparian 1948)

See also

Notes

References

  1. ↑ "Sourp Asdvadzadzin in Nicosia is 30 years old". April 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 Hadjilyra, Alexander-Michael (May 2009). "Book The Armenians of Cyprus" (PDF). Kalaydjian Foundation. Retrieved 16 May 2010.
  3. 1 2 PIO (May 2010). "Factsheet on the Armenians". Retrieved 28 May 2010.

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