Belarus’ first Armenian Apostolic Church expected to improve unity of local Armenians
MINSK (BelTA) – Belarus’ first Armenian Apostolic Church will remind the Armenians, who live in Belarus, of their native country, BelTA learned from the priest Sarkis, the superior father of Gregory the Illuminator’s Church.
The priest noted: “The temple was built out of Armenian volcanic rock – tuff. These stones were brought from Armenia specifically. The interior design uses Armenian stones as well: travertine. It will always remind us of the Motherland. All the icons were brought from Armenia. Yesterday the head of the eparchy consecrated both icons and the crosses located at the corners of the church. The dome cross was consecrated as well.”
“Armenians are a united nation. Both in the native country and outside it. But when a church and a parish building become available, it reinforces the unity of the nation and the church that has united it historically. Even in difficult times the church substituted statehood, schools, and education,” he added.
According to the father superior, services will be organized every Sunday. Daily prayers in the ancient Armenian language may be organized later on.
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, arrived in Belarus specifically for the event for the first time. Heads and representatives of leading religions were also present during the opening ceremony.
According to Andrei Strigelsky, Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee, this temple is not just another embellishment of the city but another center people can come to in order to enjoy many centuries of the Armenian culture.
Commissioner for Religions and Nationalities Aleksandr Rumak underlined that Belarus is a country of many faiths. There are 25 religions and religious associations and every person has the right to choose the faith they prefer.
“Our president once said that every person should find their own road to the temple. Armenians have been granted this opportunity today. In terms of numbers they are the sixth largest ethnicity in the country. Belarus is home to over 9,500 Armenians,” he added.
“The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the world’s oldest Christian churches. The Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II arrived in Belarus today, which is also a great honor for our country. It emphasizes that Belarus is a country of peace and accord. People of different confessions and ethnicities live here. There are no disagreements and contradictions between them. Our country can be an example for other states, where, as we know, many conflicts start precisely because of religious contradictions,” Aleksandr Rumak noted.
The construction of Belarus’ first and only Armenian Apostolic Church to a design by the architect Samvel Makyan began in August 2022 and ended in April 2025.
