St. Sahag Armenian Church-- St Paul MN - Orthodox Churches on Waymarking.com

This church began life in the early 1900's as the Merriam Park Presbyterian Church. In 2001, the church building changed hands and, after significant renovation of the interior, has new life as the St Sahag Armenian Apostolic Church. In 2008, the parish will celebrate the 5th year anniversary of the consecration of St Sahag's as a church of Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The Armenian Apostolic denomination is of the ancient Oriental Orthodox tradition. Christianity has flourished in Armenia since the earliest days of Christ, when St Thaddeus and St Bartholomew, two of the original 12 apostles of Jesus, journeyed to Armenia to preach and baptize converts. Armenia became the first Christian nation in the world, when the King of Armenia became a Christian himself and declared Christianity as the state religion in the year 301 AD.

The church integrates earlier architectural designs from the original church, including the preservation of a mural of the Holy Land that was painted in an Art Deco style on the north wall in the early 20th century . However, many architectural changes and additions have been made by Armenian architect Frances Bulbulian, to reflect unique aspects of Armenian culture, history, and style of worship. A traditional wooden altar and curtain showcase a beautiful illuminated icon of Mary and Jesus, with holy Mt Ararat depicted background. Armenian oriental rugs and ornate ironwork with traditional motifs of grapes and peacocks surround the sanctuary. The church is home to a small but dedicated Armenian-American congregation who worship there weekly.

The exterior of the church does not have a traditional orthodox dome due to the building's first incarnation as a Presbyterian church. However, long term building plans include exterior renovations and the addition of a traditional 8-sided dome to the church roof.

Outside the main door to the sanctuary is a sign for the church, written in both English and Armenian, which is the first public sign of any kind to appear in Minnesota in the Armenian language.

Type of Orthodox Church: Oriental Type of Building: Church Status of Building: Actively in use for worship Date of organization: 09/07/2003 Date of building construction: 01/01/1912 Associated Icons, Reliefs, art, etc.: The icon of Mary and Jesus is a rendition of a similar icon the hangs in the main cathedral in Yerevan, Armenia Diocese: Eastern Diocese, Armenian Apostolic Church of the United States Archdiocese: Holy Echmiadzin Address: St Sahag Armenian Church 203 Howell Street St Paul, MN USA 55104 Relevant Website: [Web Link]

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