For more than half a century, St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church has been the spiritual home of the Armenian Apostolic community in British Columbia. Since its founding in 1968, the parish has welcomed generations of faithful to worship, celebrate life’s milestones, and gather in the enduring tradition of the Armenian Church.
Located in Vancouver, St. Vartan is a parish of the Armenian Diocese of Canada under the spiritual authority of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the oldest Christian nation’s historic centre of faith. Here, the ancient traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church continue through the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Sacraments, pastoral care, religious education, and community life.
The church is named in honour of Saint Vartan Mamikonian, the fifth-century Armenian commander whose unwavering defense of the Christian faith at the Battle of Avarayr in AD 451 became a lasting symbol of courage, conviction, and religious freedom. His legacy continues to inspire our parish and the generations who call St. Vartan their spiritual home.
Whether you are seeking a place of worship, exploring your Armenian heritage, or visiting our parish for the first time, we warmly welcome you. We invite you to join us in prayer, fellowship, and the shared life of our church community.
Our Community
The Armenian community of British Columbia reflects generations of families whose roots span Armenia and the global Armenian diaspora. United by a shared faith and heritage, they have built a vibrant parish where worship, fellowship, education, and service continue to strengthen community life. Today, St. Vartan remains a place where faith is lived, traditions are cherished, and new generations continue the rich legacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.”
| Year | Notable Events and Highlights |
| 1968 | Establishment of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church of BC. First Appointed Parish Council. First Mass offered in Christ Church Cathedral. Mass Services offered subsequently in St. Chad’s Anglican Church. |
| 1969 | First elected Parish Council. |
| 1984 | Purchase of current Church property. |
| 1991 | First mortgage paid off. |
| 1998 | Renovation and construction of the current building. St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church of B.C. was built November 1998 during the Pontificate of H.H. Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during the tenure of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and Rev. Father Keghart Garabedian, Pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. |
| 2005 | Elimination of the second Mortgage and Mortgage Documents Burning Campaign. |