History of St. Leon Armenian Church

St. Leon Established at 135 Bloomfield Avenue, Paterson, NJ in 1932

HISTORY OF ST LEON APOSTOLIC ARMENIAN CHURCH

The Armenian community in Northern New Jersey, and Paterson in particular, had its beginnings in the1880’s. They arrived with little money and most worked in the silk weaving and textile industry for which Paterson was well known. Many more Armenians immigrated to this area after 1896 through the 1920’s.

The first Armenian Church service in the area was held in the local Episcopal Church, St. Luke, in Paterson, in 1898. Divine Liturgy was performed by the first Primate of the Armenian Diocese of America. For the most part, however, the Armenian community attended services at the Holy Cross Armenian Church in Union City, traveling there by trolley or horse and carriage. During this time, the Paterson community had a parish council of sorts, and visiting pastors occasionally came to Paterson to celebrate Divine Liturgy, perform baptisms, weddings and funerals with the help of local deacons and acolytes. As the community continued to grow, the Parish Council made plans to purchase land in Paterson for a church, but because of the ensuing financial crisis in the country, the Great Depression, the project was abandoned. Prior to this time, the Ladies Aid Society was formed in 1928 to assist in making their dream of a church in Paterson a reality.In 1932 the community purchased St. Luke Episcopal Church, located at 135 Bloomfield Avenue in Paterson. On October 5, 1941, Archbishop Kareken Hovsepian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of America, consecrated the Church and named it St. Leon.

Already in the early 1950’s it was apparent that the parish was becoming too large for its facilities. It was generally agreed that plans be made for a new church building.  In 1958, three acres of land were purchased on Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn. In January 1965, our parish was able to purchase the adjacent quarter-acre piece of property. (The parish house, cottage and community center are on the original property purchased, and the church is on the adjacent piece). Construction began immediately and the new church was consecrated on Sunday, September 19, 1965 by Archbishop Sion Manoogian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

Through the ensuing years, St. Leon’s membership multiplied, and the church organizations flourished. During late 1960’s and early 1970’s, Armenians leaving the political unrest of the Middle East were welcomed to the parish. They revitalized the cultural life of the parish, as they found their spiritual home.

The next ten years again brought great changes to the parish. A fully inclusive array of activities were implemented to accommodate a growing parish.  Yet again there emerged a need to expand. On November 15, 1981 Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America dedicated the Community Center and Education Wing of St. Leon. With the added facilities, the Parish was able to host Conferences,and Diocesan Assemblies. Banquets, wedding receptions, Diocesan programs, plays, concerts, retreats and dances have steadily filled the Hall.

In 1995, a major gas explosion in the lower level of the Church building triggered a remodeling and reconstruction of the building. The worship area of the church was expanded with apses on either side and the narthex was expanded to include a children’s quiet room, elevator, and enlargedthe area for preparation for entry into the sanctuary. Two new domes were erected and the entire exterior of the church was reconstructed. The cross atop the original dome can now be seen “standing” next to the Holy Trinity House. For one year, Sunday School was held in the community center, each round table acting as a classroom. Church services continued and access to the sanctuary was maintained throughout the construction. In true St. Leon fashion, all parishioners participated in this uplifting effort through their hard work, patience, and quiet belief in constant betterment of the Parish and in the Glory of God. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America reconsecrated the sanctuary in November, 1996. A celebratory luncheon followed.

As the parish continued to grow, the Sunday School and Armenian School enrollments increased, as did the onsite community-based activities. To accommodate this growth, in 2002 the Parish Assembly authorized a Building Committee to construct a Youth Center – an educational/recreational building with much needed parking.  It authorized the construction of a gymnasium with locker rooms, meeting rooms, and one floor dedicated to six classrooms and an assembly/music room.  The basement holds the ACYOA Room for its meetings and social gatherings.  Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian dedicated and blessed the facility in November, 2008.

We have been fortunate to be able to receive graduates of the Seminary as part of their post academic training and rotation. In 2012 the Parish Assembly authorized a Capital Improvement Fund, to raise funds for the renovation of the two story residence “Kershner” house sitting on the property to accommodate deacon interns, visiting clergy and our on-site custodian and his family.   Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian dedicated, blessed and named the building Holy Trinity House in November, 2014.

By the grace of God, the seed of the modest St. Leon Armenian Church that was sown on Bloomfield Avenue in Paterson during the Great Depression blossomed into a thriving parish with an impressive campus. One generation has traveled upon the achievements of another, and that will continue for many generations to come.

The parish offers humble prayers that our loving Lord continues to inspire and energize the entire community in its mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, keeping everyone mindful of the spirit of traditions, so we may continually glorify His Holy Name.