Charlotte Observer , NC
May 5 2004

Armenian Church of America

A building of its own is on the way

ABOUT THE CHURCH

Meets at: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Road. Phone: (704)
541-6952. Web site: Meets once each month,
consult Web site for schedule. Next worship service is May 16, 1:30
p.m. Average attendance: 120.

A BUILDING OF THEIR OWN

The church began meeting in 1996, holding worship services twice each
year. The church now holds a worship service each month, led by a
priest who travels from New York City.

Lena Kupelian Neau, chairman of the Parish Council and Building
Committee, said a recent donation will soon allow them to become a
full parish with a building of their own.

“On Thanksgiving Eve, we got the news from the Diocese that a
benefactor had agreed to fund our entire complex on our property at
Park Road and Park South. Construction is scheduled to start this
month and we hope to open our doors in January. Once we become a full
parish, we will have a full-time priest and can have weekly services.
We also hope to hold lectures and classes so that the public can come
and learn more about our country (Armenia) and our culture,” Neau
said.

ANCIENT TRADITIONS

Neau said the Armenian Church dates back to A.D. 301. Orthodox
services incorporate ancient traditions. Hymns and liturgies are
conducted in Armenian and English. Sermons generally elaborate on the
day’s scripture reading.

On Saturday mornings, the church offers Armenian language classes at
9 a.m. and folk-dance classes at 11 a.m.

Outreach is directed toward Charlotte’s Armenian community, helping
them to assimilate into the city. The church will hold its annual
picnic at noon on June 6 at William Davies Park. Cost is $15 for
adults and $7 for children younger than 12. The public is invited.