St. John Armenian Church, named in honor of St. John the Baptist & Forerunner of Christ our God, for over 100 years has been at the very heart and center of Armenian-American religious and cultural life in Metropolitan Detroit. Since 1913, the parish has flourished and reaches out to the Armenian Orthodox faithful who are scattered throughout the state of Michigan. Through the efforts of past and present pastors sacramental services now have begun in both Lansing and Grand Rapids where new Armenian communities have taken root.

St. John Armenian Church remains a model community in our Diocese in both the rites of worship and varied ministries within and outside of the parish by offering numerous educational programs and opportunities for Christian growth in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the faith, tradition, customs and practices of the Armenian Orthodox Church. The varied ministries include: Children’s Church School, Altar training, Junior and Senior youth groups, Bible Studies, Lenten Retreats, Women’s and Men’s groups, Senior Citizens, the learning of sacred music and singing with the Komitas Choir, Armenian cultural enrichment, and as well the Mardigian Research Library and the Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum. These parish groups take part in several Ecumenical missions with other Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants and also provide assistance to many charitable agencies both Armenian based in Armenia, throughout the USA and for local missions to name a few, such as Alternatitives for Girls, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Jefferson House for Men, Forgotten Harvest, Orthodox Outreach of Detroit.

Most importantly, as Orthodox Christians, we place the greatest emphasis in honoring and worshipping our God our Creator, invoking the All Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit asking for God’s grace to imbue our faithful with a life of holiness. This greatest of all emphasis is reflected in the Mystery and Beauty offered to God every Sunday at our Divine Liturgy – receiving Holy Communion and taking part in other Canonical Services.

All are invited to come to St. John Armenian Church and to worship and witness this profound Mystery and Beauty in our Divine Services and to join us in lifting our voices in praise and thankfulness to our loving Creator.

Please peruse our website to learn more about SJAC.

Very Rev. Father Aren Jebejian