America’s Oldest Armenian Church Seeks Descendants of Founding Families for 135th Anniversary Celebration

Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, recognized as America’s oldest Armenian church, is calling on descendants of its founding families – and all those whose family histories intersect with this historic parish – to reconnect with their roots as the church prepares to celebrate its 135th anniversary on November 21 and 22,  2026.

Consecrated in 1891, the church’s original sanctuary on Laurel Street was established by Armenian immigrants who came to central Massachusetts seeking opportunity and building new lives in America, many finding work in Worcester’s wire mills. At a time when Armenian communities were just beginning to take root in the United States, the parish became the first seat of the Armenian Diocese in America and helped lay the foundation for Armenian church life across the country.

As the Armenian community in Worcester grew, the parish built its current sanctuary on Salisbury Street in 1952 to serve an expanding congregation. Today, Worcester remains one of New England’s enduring centers of Armenian-American life, where three Armenian churches continue to preserve faith, language, culture, and community.

As part of this milestone anniversary, the church is reaching out to descendants of its founders and early parish leaders, many of whose families may now be living across the United States.

“Many Armenian-American families began their journey in Worcester before putting down roots in other parts of the country,” said Steve Migridichian, deacon of the church and member of the anniversary planning committee. “We hope this celebration will bring families back to where so many of their American stories began, while honoring the vision, sacrifice, and faith of those who built this church for future generations.”

The planning committee is especially hoping to connect with descendants of the founders and members of the committee that built the original Laurel Street church, including:

Individuals who believe they may be descendants – or who know families connected to these early parish leaders – are encouraged to contact Steve Migridichianat smigridichian@danddsrealtyllp.com.

The anniversary committee is also seeking photographs, documents, and personal memories connected to the life of the parish. Families are invited to share photographs from baptisms, weddings, Sunday School, ACYOA activities, choir performances, picnics, and other moments that tell the story of Armenian-American life through the generations.

All are invited to join the 135th anniversary celebration on November 21, 2026, as the community gathers in the church Cultural Hall to honor not only the history of a church, but the story of Armenian faith, perseverance, and family in America. On Sunday, November 22, 2026, a special worship service will be held at the church, presided by His Eminence, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church.