THE YEARS OF PAGANISM (30-300 A.D.) 

Until the year 300 A.D. Armenia was completely pagan. To be sure, various Syrian and Greek missionaries had preached Christianity there before that time, but their ministry had no permanent nor important results. Both Augustine and Tertullian, in commenting upon the ninth verse of the second chapter of the acts of the Apostles, held that the "Judea" mentioned refers to Armenia; holding that Jews from that country had come to Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. The contention of some that the Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew preached in Armenian is generally a discussed tradition. 

THE COMING OF CHRISTIANITY (300-400) 

Armenia was converted to Christianity by Gregory the Illuminator before the year 311. Tiridates was the first Christian Armenian king, Gregory, who was consecrated Bishop by the Metropolitan Leontes in Caesarea of Cappadocia, was sent to establish a Hierarchy in Armenia under the jurisdiction of that Prelate. Tradition has it that Gregory also went to the center of the Church in Rome to manifest his Catholic mind. 

Among his successors was Nerses the Great (352-373) who, like Basil the Great, established numerous charitable institutions and labored with apostolic zeal to strengthen the foundations of the Faith. In many important letters of St. Basil, Nerses is referred to as a suffragan Bishop. He was one of the signers of the Synodal Epistle (371-372) addressed to Pope Damascus, (Balgian, Historia Doctrinae Catholicae inter Armenos, Viennae 1878.) 

King Arshak (350-367) and his son and successor Pap 9368-374) were displeased by the ecclesiastical subordination of the Armenian Hierarchy and favored independence for their Church to be effected by the selection of the Hierarchy by themselves without reference to the Metropolitan of Caesarea. They failed in this attempt, however, because of the loyalty of the Armenian clergy to the Church Universal Years later, when Caesarea no longer held its position of eminence, the great St. Isaak recognized the See of Constantinople as Metropolitan. 

THE GOLDEN AGE OF ARMENIAN CATHOLICISM (400-451)

Prominent in the fifth century were St. Isaak and St. Mesrop. The former was head of the Armenian Church; the latter contributed to the world the Armenian alphabet. These two great men produced the Golden Age of Armenian Catholicism. They created the classic literature, the Rite and the Liturgy. Holy Scripture and the writings of such Catholic leaders as Irenaeus, Ephraim (the Syrian), Basil Chrysostom, were translated into classic Armenian. During this period also, new Episcopal Sees were established and many reforms effected. The country was filled with schools and religious houses. Although St. Isaak did not participate in the Council of Ephesus (431), he endorsed it. 

The year 451 is the date of one of the most important Ecumenical Councils - that of Chalcedon. The Armenian Bishops - who accepted the Chalcedon Profession Faith - were prevented from attending, however, by the outbreak of politico-religious war which threatened both the Catholic Faith and the culture of their country. "We recognize the Gospels as our Father," the Armenians of 451 asserted, "and the Catholic Apostolic Church as our Mother." (Yeghishe) The war of 451 under Vardan Mamikonian was continued under Vahan Mamikonian until the Persians granted religious freedom in 484. 

THE SAD YEARS OF RELIGIOUS SCHISM (451-1054) 

At Chalcedon, Eutyches and the Monophysites were condemned as heretics but their disputes continued for almost two centuries. Syrian missionaries who were hostile to the Council attempted to discredit the purity and correctness of its teachings which insisted upon not only the perfect divinity of Jesus Christ but also His perfect humanity. That is to say, He is at the same time, true God and true Man. He has one person and two infused, immutable, indivisible and inseparable natures, the human and the Divine. 

The Monophysites, however, succeeded in convincing simple people that the Council of Chalcedon held a Nestorian heresy of one Human nature in Christ without Divine nature and person. The false apostles spread their lies also in Armenia. Believing these falsehoods, and urged buy the Persian king who desired the religious separation of Armenia from Byzantium, the Catholicos Abraham (607-616) and his adherents cut themselves off for the first time from the Faith of Rome, Constantinople and Jerusalem. Missionaries were sent further among the people to make the schism complete. Thus arose fratricidal disputes destined to continue to our own day. 

THE REBIRTH OF ARMENIAN CATHOLICISM IN THE MIDDLE AGES (1063-1451) 

With the fall of the dynasty of Bagratuni, Armenia became the victim of barbarian invasions and their accompanying destruction. The Catholics began to emigrate to Constantinople, Rome, Ravenna and other parts of Italy, Bulgaria, the Crimea and elsewhere. In the 10th century, many had already gone to Cicilia to establish a new Armenia with the old Faith. 

The Patriarchs and kings of Cicilia longed for Rome. The Catholicos Gregory II Vekayaser (1065-1105) went " to honor the relics of the Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul"; and in 1080 he indicated the orthodoxy of his Faith in an epistle to the Pope. The Catholicos Gregory III (1113-1166) sent a messenger to Pope Eugene III in 1145 promising his people's obedience. 

The Catholicos Nerses Shnorhaly (1166-1173), one of Armenia's most illustrious personalities, recognized the Roman Pontiff as successor to Peter. The Catholicos Gregory IV Tegha (1173-1193) and Gregory VI Aperat (1194-1204) professed the same Faith. Of the following Patriarchs, John VII received the Pallium from Rome in 1205, just as did Kostandin I (1220-1267) years later. The National Synods of Romklay and Sis, the kings Rooben-Levon-Hetoom held the same Faith. 

During the first half of the 4th century, Dominican and Franciscan missionaries from Europe reached Greater Armenia. Finding many faithful among the Armenian people and clergy, they established centers of unity and revived the ancient Faith. With great success and rapidity they spread from Nakhijevan to Caucasus and the Crimea. However, contrary to the wishes of the Holy See in Rome, they confused religion and rite. They were guilty of infringing upon the people's rightful love of the Armenian Liturgy and the spirit of the original Sahak Mesropian Rite. In Spite of obstacles of this kind, in the Synod of Sis (1342), the Catholicos Mekhtar with six Archbishops and 22 Bishops was able to write to the Holy Father, Clement VI "The Catholicos, King, Church and lay leaders and the people of Cilicia as a whole are united with the Church of Rome" (Mansi XXV, 122). 

It remained for the last two Catholicos of this period to display the most glorious demonstration of unity at the Council of Florence in 1439. Kostandin VI Vahkatsi (1429-1439) sent to this Council four messengers who presented themselves to the gathering in the name of their Patriarchs and all the Bishops of their nation, professing that. "The Apostolic See and the Pope of Rome have primacy in the entire world... Being the true successor of St. Peter." (Balgian) 

A PERIOD OF TRANSITION (1451-1740) 

The opponents of union sought to make use of every opportunity. In Armenia proper they gained strength. In 1441 at Etchmiad face="Flexure">A PERIOD OF TRANSITION (1451-1740) 

The opponents of union sought to make use of every opportunity. In Armenia proper they gained strength. In 1441 at Etchmiadzin (near Erevan, Armenia), an opposing Episcopal See was established. Many of the future holders of this office were to return to the Catholic Unity of the Illuminator and so make themselves, the clergy and people, obedient to the Chair of Peter. From time to time voices favouring obedience and rightful subordination could be heard in other famous Sees in Armenia. Unvoiced obedience and profession of Catholic Faith by the clergy and people, whether in Armenia or in the colonies, had never ceased. 

It was in this period (1707) that Gomidas Keamurjian Priest was martyred for his Catholic Faith. He was beatified by Pope Plus XI in 1929. 

THE MEKHITARISTS

During this period the Abbot Mekhitar, born in Sebaste (Asia Minor) on February 7, 1676 of a family of moderate means, established a religious congregation which bears his name. Interested from his boyhood in the religious life, he had entered the local monastery of the Holy Cross. Ordained to the priesthood at the age of twenty, he began his long career preaching and lecturing on the Faith. As sympathetic followers gathered around him and wished to share his way of life, he opened his own monastery and dedicated its efforts to the advancement of the Armenian people. Ultimate, after several previous attempts, the Mekhitarist Congregation came into being in Constantinople on September 8, 1701. 

Later the group transferred to Venice Italy, where Mekhitar labored for nearly thirty years until his death on April 27, 1749. He was survived in the monastery by 41 priests and 13 lay brothers and the abundant fruit of his work. 

A few years after the death of the saintly Abbot, a considerable number of his Monks withdrew to form a separate Community in Triest, where in 1803, they elected Archbishop A. Babigian as their Abbot General. At this point they obtained recognition of their congregation from the Holy See. A few years later the Congregation moved to Vienna where they have continuously labored for the advancement of the Catholic Faith and Armenian Culture. 

RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CATHOLIC SEE OF CILICIA (1740-1937) 

After the split of the Catholicate in 1441, the Catholicos of Sis remained in union with the Church of Rome for a short time but many of his successors severed relations with the Holy See. In 1742 the Catholic Bishop Abraham, upon being chosen Catholicos,went immediately to Rome and received the Pallium and the little Patriarch of the Armenian in Cilicia. As a mark of respect and obedience, the Patriarch Abraham assumed the name of Peter, which his successors continue to bear. The present Armenian Catholic Patriarch Catholicos is Hovannes-Bedros XVIII Kasparian. 

Returning to Sis, Abraham Peter I found opposing him a newly chosen Catholicos. He was then forced to withdraw to Lebanon where hi established the Patriarchate of the Catholic Armenians having jurisdiction over Mesopotamia, Lesser Armenian and Egypt. 

A century later, in 1830, Pope Puis VIII founded a presiding Archiepiscopal See in Constantinople. Pope Puis IX appointed, in 1867, Anthony Hassoun both as a Archbishop of Constantinople and as a Patriarche of Cilicia. This occasioned the transfer of the Patriarchate to Constantinople where it remained until 1928, at which time it was again removed to Bzommar (near Beirut). 

THE DIASPORA 

It is appropriate to say here a few words on the Armenian Catholics of the Diaspora. 

With the fall of the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia in 1375, the number of exiles continued to increase. The Armenian attempted to establish homes in Crimea, Poland, Moldavia, Bukovina, Transylvania, Hungary, as well as Turkey, Egypt and Persia. Later, there were emigrations to France, Greece, and America. 

In all these colonies, at least until the last great war, Armenian Catholics formed organized communities. In the United States, the Armenian Catholics are mostly in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Detroit and Los Angeles; in Canada, Montreal and Toronto. Since 1981 the Armenian Catholics of the United States have come to have their first Armenian Bishop, Most Rev. Nerses Mikael Setian, by establishment of the Armenian Apostolic Exarchate for Armenian Catholics of the United States and Canada at St. Ann's National Shrine/Armenian Catholic Cathedral in New York City. 

At the present time the Armenian Apostolic Exarchate for United States and Canada consists of 9 parishes throughout United States and Canada. Five schools operated by the Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception; two elementary schools operated by the Clergy. There are two quarterly magazines published - one by the Exarchate, "flame Magazine". And the second at Los Angeles called "Verily". 

THE NEW ERA (1937-1994)

When, in 1937, the Armenian Bishops elected Gregory Peter XV Agagianian "Patriarch of the Catholicos of Cilicia," a new era began. Gradual improvements were introduced. Construction of a large seminary, orphanage and school was carried out and attention was concentrated on increasing educational forces, especially in the Armenian nuns of the Immaculate Conception. Having been engaged in the training of women since 1847, these religious educate exemplary Armenian mothers in their 20-25 splendid schools. 

The Mekhitarists, in addition to their schools and their official publications "Handes Amsorya' and "Pazmaveb", on the occasion of their jubilee, as well as that of the 200th Anniversary of their founder Mekhitar (1949), edited valuable religious, patriotic and scientific publications. In 1947 an Armenian Catholic weekly "Massis" was inaugurated. Together with the official monthly publication 'Avedik" it presents the Armenian Catholic solution to pertinent problems of the day. 

When , in 1946, the Catholic Armenian Patriarch Gregory Peter XV was elevated to membership in the Sacred College of Cardinals, the Holy Father Pope Pius Xii was pleased to show the universal role of the Catholic Armenians following in the steps of their Illuminator, Saint Gregory. 

At the present moment the Armenian Catholics are spread throughout the world including newly established Exarchates of France, United Stated, Canada, South America, Armenia and Georgia. 

ARMENIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 

OF TORONTO, CANADA

The years 1896-1914 are considered to be the initial period of settlement for Armenians in Canada. The year 1920 became a turning point, when over 100 Armenian Relief Association of Canada, and were placed on a large farm in Georgetown, Ontario. These boys successfully confronted many types of difficulties and obstacles and became the strong core of the organizational life of the Canadian-Armenian. 

From decade to decade the number of Armenians in Canada grew until it reached its present level of seventy-five thousand. Due to civil wars and economic crises in the Middle East and elsewhere, tens of thousands of Armenians emigrated from their countries of residence and settled in the United States of America, Canada, Australia and other nations. Along with this increase in numbers came a growth and strengthening of organizational life in Canada. Political groups and compatriot unions were formed; cultural, athletic and benevolent organizations were established; schools and community centres were built. 

Amongst all of these rose the prideful structures of the Armenian churches. 

And at last, behold the elegant structure of St. Gregory the Illuminator Catholic Church in Toronto, with its 'Ararat-like dome'. 

In 1960 there were approximately 10-15 Armenian Catholic families in Toronto, whose spiritual ministry was periodically provided by the late Rev. Father Edward Kortigian, an apostolic visitor for the United States and Canada. With his experience and dedication he played a key role in the structural efforts during the initial period of the community, bringing spiritual contentment to the few Armenian Catholic families, while at the same time laying the foundations for the organizational life in the community. 

In 1972, Father Elias Kirijian, from the Patriarchal Order of Bzommar, a priest with an outstanding religious education, having graduated in theology and philosophy from the Grigoriana University in Rome, took charge of the parish of the Armenian Catholic community in Toronto. Proceeding with the organizational efforts, this young and dedicated clergyman, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church of Toronto, celebrated his firsts Holy Mass on Easter Sunday at St. Edward Catholic Church. 

Currently the Armenian Catholic community is comprised of 250 families. Also sharing a great sense of responsibility, alongside the pastor, are the Parish Council, the Armenian Catholic Union, the ladies' Auxiliary, the Choir, and the St. Gregory the Illuminator Saturday School, which consists of 150 students in kindergarten, elementary, and intermediate classes, and a staff of devoted and capable teachers. 

The newly built St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church had its cornerstone blessing ceremony on Sunday, October 18, 1992, under the auspices of His Excellency Bishop Nerses Setian. 

A gala fund-raising banquet was held that evening in one of the city's distinguished hotels. Included amongst the attendees were pastors and representatives of sister denominations. 

On this occasion Father Kirijian, in his spiritually inspired speech emphasized: 'Blessed are those who are church builders. After many years of patient, intense, and hard work, the moment is here to see the incarnation of the dream of our lives. Today we erect an Ararat-like dome towards Heaven, a place of prayer, the Church of God, and the home of Armenians, thus giving a testimony of our Christian faith and a legacy of Armenian vows to God and our nation'. 

Parish Established in 1973. 

Church Dedication and Inauguration Nov.21st., 1993

PASTOR:FATHER YEGHIA KIRIJIAN

RECTORY :100 Northdale Rd.

Toronto, Ontario M2L 2M1 

Tel/Fax (416) 444 9924

Email: st.gregory@home.com

Website: www.armeniancatholicchurch.ca