Armenian Church in Kensington London

[retro]

St Sarkis Armenian Church


I often walk past this little Church as it's not far from where I live. I have to say it is very pretty and it's in a very posh and desirable location.

[Haykakan]

Re: Armenian Church in Kensington London

That is very cute. Armenian churches are good looking in general. I had to do a art project in high school and the teacher was showing the designs of churches from different parts of the world. She then asked if anyone could tell her why the Armenian churches have a long pointy look to them and being the only student from Armenia i answered "because it fits in with the mountainous background". She said i was right and that the desighn of most churches is based on the geographic structure of that country. Fortunately our church designs look good everywhere hehe.

[retro]

Re: Armenian Church in Kensington London

Haykakan

I love the Architecture of Armenian Church's.

"The Armenian Church of Saint Sarkis Charity was established by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian in a Trust Deed dated 18th September 1937."

It's just off High Street Kensington in a very posh read brick victorian square.

The Roman Catholic Church that I used to go to when I was young is just actually just the road from it on Kensington High Street and whilst it's far larger it's no where near as nice.

Our Lady of Victories

[londontsi]

Re: Armenian Church in Kensington London

Haykakan

I love the Architecture of Armenian Church's.

"The Armenian Church of Saint Sarkis Charity was established by Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian in a Trust Deed dated 18th September 1937."

It's just off High Street Kensington in a very posh read brick victorian square.

The Roman Catholic Church that I used to go to when I was young is just actually just the road from it on Kensington High Street and whilst it's far larger it's no where near as nice.

Our Lady of Victories

Yes it is a beautiful church, "Armenian Church Architecture" through and through.
It is quite emotional seeing it for the first time in the" building jungle" of London.

Unfortunately it is rather small for present community needs as it seats only around 100-120 people while the Armenian community in London is estimated 10-15,000.

P.S. The community has another church, much larger ( its an ex Anglican Church I think) purchased and renovated by another benefactor which serves the community needs.

[retro]

Re: Armenian Church in Kensington London

"It is quite emotional seeing it for the first time in the" building jungle" of London."

Hello Londontsi

The Church constrast with the red brick victorian apartments. Architecturally London is a very informal, over developed mess, which in a way is part of it's charm/character.

Given the number of Armenians that seem to have emigrated to America. I'm a bit surprised that their aren't a few more Armenians living in London.



Laying of wreaths at the Khachkar after a Memorial Service for the Genocide victims at St. Sarkis Armenian Church.

[retro]

Re: Armenian Church in Kensington London

It seems they have a open day September.

OPEN HOUSE LONDON
ST SARKIS ARMENIAN CHURCH, IVERNA GARDENS, W8

Saturday, 15 September.

Each year on a weekend in September, Open House London arranges for buildings all over the city to be opened up to the general public. Their booklet is packed with information about alluring architecture, usually off-limits to the average Londoner and indeed many of those visiting St Sarkis each year mention that they pass the church many times and always wanted to be able to come inside. This year again, the Armenian Institute hosted the beautiful St Sarkis Armenian Church and several hundred visitors learned not only about the architecture of that building but the history of the Armenian community in the UK and of Armenians generally. In Nevart Gulbenkian Hall, the Armenian Institute created a display of the architecture of other Armenian churches and striking photographs taken by Mark Grigoryan and Margarita Grigoryan. Diana Kurkjian kindly provided coffee, tea and biscuits for the visitors.

http://www.armenianinstitute.org.uk/...spx?page=23146

[bell-the-cat]

Re: Armenian Church in Kensington London

Yes it is a beautiful church, "Armenian Church Architecture" through and through.

Rumour has it that the deviousness and amount of backstabbing that went on during its establishment was also Armenian through and through.

Unfortunately it is rather small for present community needs as it seats only around 100-120 people while the Armenian community in London is estimated 10-15,000.

There is room for at least 400 if the congregation stands rather than sits. I've been in it when there have been so many people inside that it was barely possible to close the doors. Having seats in Armenian churches is a 20th century phenomenon. Maybe they thought they were being more "civilised" by having seating.

[londontsi]

Re: Armenian Church in Kensington London

Rumour has it that the deviousness and amount of backstabbing that went on during its establishment was also Armenian through and through.

I am sure there “has" [?] to be some truth in your insinuation since in every institution where ideas or egos clash there is backstabbing as part of getting your way.
I am not condoning it, just stating how the world is.

I could tell you a few stories and hear says but I did not see it as appropriate.
After all scumbags come and go but the institutions somehow carry their course.

Incidentally backstabbing is not uniquely Armenian but all the same reprehensible.

If you have something worthwhile to add why you don’t say it.

There is room for at least 400 if the congregation stands rather than sits. I've been in it when there have been so many people inside that it was barely possible to close the doors.

Either you eyes are failing you or your brain.

I mentioned the community size estimated at 10-15 thousand. You somehow find 400 people squeezed into a small church as a solution.

Having seats in Armenian churches is a 20th century phenomenon.

I have not lived before the 20th century you clearly have.

Maybe they thought they were being more "civilised" by having seating.

I have not been in any church be it Armenian, Greek, Catholic or Protestant where there was no seating.
I think it is improper for people to be stuck up each other’s ass during what is a spiritual setting.
After all it is not a bloody disco where such things are “acceptable”.