Western Diocese

About St. John Armenian Church, Hollywood

Following the election of Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian as Primate, the Methodist Church on Vine Street was purchased and named St. John Armenian Cathedral. The premises also served as the Headquarters for the Western Diocese. Following renovations and the construction of the altar St. John Garabed Armenian Church was consecrated by the Primate. The first pastor of the parish was Very Rev. Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, followed by Archpriest Fr. Vartan Tatevossian, who served from 1977-1997. During this time the parish gained a large number of immigrants from the Middle East and in particular from Armenia. Thanks to the support of the Diocesan Council the projects of the parish expanded.

Due to the Northridge Earthquake of 1994 the Diocesan Offices were temporarily moved to St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, placing the complex on Vine Street under the care of the St. John Parish. Soon after renovations began and in 1997 Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, who served as the assistant to Fr. Vartan, took over as Pastor. Currently Fr. Vartan serves as Pastor Emeritus.

The following organizations function under the auspices of St. John Garabed Armenian Church: The Parish Council, Ladies’ Society, Sunday School, Saturday Armenian School, ACYO, and Armenia Chess School.

On the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia, three of the windows were adorned with the icons of St. Thaddeus and Bartholomew. The entrance of the church has been remodeled, the church was painted and new icon added on the sides of the altar. The Parish has purchased several adjacent houses and expanded the parking lot. New plans are being considered for the future.