Images
St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, CA
St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church (Western Prelacy) is located in the south end of Glendale, surrounded by numerous Armenian shops and businesses. The church was established in 1975 and held services in a small structure until 1988, which today is still owned by the church and used as a kindergarten. At this time the church purchased their existing sanctuary, a 1926 built Colonial style church, only a few miles away from the old building.
Numerous renovations have gone into the building since its purchase to make the church resemble more an Armenian style church. Today, the church is encompassed by many beatifully stained glass windows, a marble alter, and it was the first church in America to erect a Khachkar—a rock of sculpted religious art common to many Armenian holy places. The first Khachkar was erected in 1998, followed by a second one in 2000. The one missing Armenian facet to the church is a dome—the most recognizable aspect of many Armenian churches. The endeavor of building a dome on the existing structure has been a battle from day one, with the church claiming its right to modifications to the building as owners, and the city enforcing its preservation ordinance on historic structures.
Numerous renovations have gone into the building since its purchase to make the church resemble more an Armenian style church. Today, the church is encompassed by many beatifully stained glass windows, a marble alter, and it was the first church in America to erect a Khachkar—a rock of sculpted religious art common to many Armenian holy places. The first Khachkar was erected in 1998, followed by a second one in 2000. The one missing Armenian facet to the church is a dome—the most recognizable aspect of many Armenian churches. The endeavor of building a dome on the existing structure has been a battle from day one, with the church claiming its right to modifications to the building as owners, and the city enforcing its preservation ordinance on historic structures.