Church of Virgin Mary (Sourp Asvatzatzin) 4 Dialetti Str.Διαλέττη 4, Thessaloniki

Northern Greece’s capital is home to the second largest Armenian community in the country. Two hundred meters from the legendary White Tower, the Chur…..

The Armenian Church in Thessaloniki is the Armenian Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary (also known as Sourp Astvatsatsin). It is located at 4 Dialetti Street, Thessaloniki, 546 21, Greece.

• History: The church was built in 1903, with its official inauguration taking place on November 6th of the same year. It was designed by the renowned Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli, who also designed many other notable buildings in Thessaloniki. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Sourp Astvatsatsin in Armenian).
• Architecture: The architectural style is eclectic, combining different traditions. The central tower has a Romanesque feel, while the side towers with their pyramidoid roofs are reminiscent of typical Armenian domes. The interior is described as austere but with beautiful icons. Notably, unlike Eastern Orthodox churches, Armenian churches do not have an iconostasis.
• Significance: The church, along with the adjacent Armenian school, historically served as the center of the Armenian community in Thessaloniki. In the early 20th century, after the Armenian Genocide, a large influx of Armenian refugees settled in Thessaloniki, making the community quite significant.
• Current Status: The Armenian community in Thessaloniki remains active and the Church of the Virgin Mary continues to be its heart. The church is involved in social action and maintains connections with other Armenian churches worldwide.
• Visiting: The church is often locked, but you can ring the bell at the left side entrance to request entry. Nearby, on Tsimiski Street, you can also see a “khachkar,” a traditional Armenian stone-carved cross-monument.

You can find more information on the official website of the Armenian Prelacy of Greece (https://armenianprelacy.gr/en/parishes/thessaloniki/) and other resources like Thessaloniki Travel (https://thessaloniki.travel/exploring-the-city/religion/other-worship-places/armenian-orthodox-church-of-virgin-mary/).

Arménská oslava Velikonoc (?) v ulicích řecké Soluně.

Армянская Пасха на улице в греческих Салониках. Есть мнение, что у армян Пасха уже была неделю назад.

• greek