This magnificent church is located on 2nd Avenue and 34th Street, in an area that used to be called Little Armenia, due to its large population of Armenians.
The Cathedral of Surp Vartan is huge and austere, as Armenian churches are, with thick tall walls and the typical Armenian cross on the top of dome. It resembles a very old Armenian Church, the Cathedral of Surp Hripsime, located in Vargharshapat, Armenia.
This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Vartan (Surp means Saint in Armenian). Vartan Mamikonian was the military leader who fought with the Armenian Army in the Battle of Avarayr, in the 5th century.
The interior of the church is illuminated with several large chandeliers and decorated with colorful stained glass windows. The Blessed Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus in her arms presides over the altar. Many traditional Christian and Armenian scenes are depicted in the inside and the outside of the church, and it is very interesting to examine them and understand the meaning of each image.
I was lucky that I visited this incredible temple on January 6, the date in which Armenians all over the world celebrate Christmas. The church was crowded, the ancient Armenian prayers and songs filled the place and added to the wonderful atmosphere.