Our Parish Journey
Holy Trinity Parish History Timeline
A chronological look at the growth of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Worcester, from the early Armenian community to the vibrant parish life of today.
1867
The first Armenian immigrant arrives in Worcester
The Armenian community in Worcester began in 1867, when the first Armenian immigrant known as Garo from Bitlis arrived in the city. Initially employed as a servant by a missionary, he later began working in local factories where wages were higher. His success encouraged other Armenians to follow, forming the earliest Armenian settlement in the United States.
Early Armenian presence in Worcester
1880s
Growth of the Armenian community in Worcester County
By the 1880s, small groups of Armenian immigrants had already established themselves in Worcester County. The population grew steadily as new immigrants arrived seeking economic opportunity and safety from persecution in the Ottoman Empire.
During the late nineteenth century, Worcester became one of the most important centers of Armenian life in America. Many Armenians came to work in the city’s industrial factories and mills.
As the community expanded, Armenians created social and religious institutions that helped preserve their culture and traditions.
These institutions included:
• Armenian churches
• cultural associations
• language classes for children
• charitable organizations
These organizations helped immigrants maintain their identity while adapting to American society.
During the late nineteenth century, Worcester became one of the most important centers of Armenian life in America. Many Armenians came to work in the city’s industrial factories and mills.
As the community expanded, Armenians created social and religious institutions that helped preserve their culture and traditions.
These institutions included:
• Armenian churches
• cultural associations
• language classes for children
• charitable organizations
These organizations helped immigrants maintain their identity while adapting to American society.
Worcester became an important center of Armenian life in America
Late 1800s – Early 1900s
Armenian immigration to Worcester
Armenian immigrants began settling in Worcester and surrounding Massachusetts communities during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Many arrived seeking safety and opportunity following persecution and hardship in the Ottoman Empire. During these early decades, Armenian families formed close-knit communities centered around faith, language, and culture, laying the foundation for Armenian Apostolic church life in Worcester.
January 21, 1949
Establishment of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church was officially established on January 21, 1949. The formation of the parish provided a permanent spiritual home for Armenian Apostolic worship and community life, creating a foundation of faith, fellowship, and cultural preservation for future generations.
1951
Consecration of the first church building
In 1951, the parish celebrated the consecration of its first church building. This milestone marked the completion of years of effort, sacrifice, and dedication by members of the Armenian community. The consecrated church became the center of parish life, where the Divine Liturgy, sacraments, and community gatherings were celebrated.
1957
Parish comes under the Holy See of Cilicia
In 1957, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church came under the jurisdiction of the Holy See of Cilicia. This affiliation connected the parish to the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern United States and strengthened its ecclesiastical ties with Armenian Apostolic communities throughout North America.
1969 – 1978
Archpriest Fr. Ashod Kochian
Archpriest Fr. Ashod Kochian served the parish from 1969 to 1978, contributing to the spiritual life of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church during an important period in its history.
Archpriest Fr. Ashod Kochian
1978
Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian appointed pastor
In 1978, Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. His pastoral leadership began an important chapter in the life of the parish and guided the community through a period of meaningful growth and transition.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian
June 1, 1980
Relocation to the current church property
On June 1, 1980, the parish moved to its present location at 635 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts. The relocation marked a major milestone in the life of Holy Trinity, giving the parish expanded space for worship, community events, educational programs, and future growth.
September 14, 1980
Consecration of the new church edifice
On September 14, 1980, the new church building at 635 Grove Street was solemnly consecrated by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian and Archbishop Datev Sarkissian. This sacred dedication marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the parish and provided a permanent home where Armenian Apostolic worship and traditions could continue to flourish.
Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian
Archbishop Datev Sarkissian
1978 – 2000
Pastoral ministry of Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian
From 1978 to 2000, Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian faithfully served Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. During his years of service, the parish experienced important growth and transition, including the move to its current location and the consecration of the new church edifice in 1980. His long tenure helped shape the modern history of the parish.
2000
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian appointed pastor
In 2000, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, continuing the pastoral leadership of the parish following the long ministry of Rev. Fr. Vazken Bekiarian.
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian
2000 – 2005
Pastoral ministry of Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian
Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian served the parish of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church from 2000 to 2005. During his pastoral service, he continued the spiritual mission of the parish through worship, pastoral care, and support of the ministries and organizations that sustain parish life.
2005 – 2013
Rev. Dr. Archiprêtre Khatchadour Boghossian
Rev. Dr. Archiprêtre Khatchadour Boghossian served Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church from 2005 to 2013, continuing the spiritual leadership and pastoral care of the parish during these years of ministry.
Rev. Dr. Archiprêtre Khatchadour Boghossian
2013 – 2019
His Grace Bishop Sahag Yemishian
His Grace Bishop Sahag Yemishian served the parish from 2013 to 2019, providing spiritual leadership and pastoral guidance during his ministry.
His Grace Bishop Sahag Yemishian
2019 – 2022
Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian
Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian served Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church from 2019 to 2022, providing spiritual leadership and pastoral care to the parish during this period.
2022
Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian appointed pastor
In 2022, Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian began his pastoral ministry at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. His leadership continues the spiritual life and mission of the parish, guiding the faithful through worship, pastoral care, education, and community engagement.
Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian
2022 – Present
Pastoral ministry of Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian
Since 2022, Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian has faithfully served Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, continuing the parish’s mission of worship, fellowship, ministry, and Armenian Christian witness in Worcester. Under his leadership, the parish continues to strengthen its liturgical, spiritual, educational, and community life.
Today
Continuing mission and service
Today, Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church continues its mission of faith, worship, fellowship, education, and service. The parish remains committed to celebrating the Divine Liturgy, preserving Armenian Christian traditions, educating younger generations in faith and heritage, and strengthening the bonds of community among Armenian families in Worcester and the surrounding region.
