Church Tours

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Mother Church

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church is the first Armenian Apostolic church in the western hemisphere to use Armenian architecture for its design, and the second oldest Armenian Church in the United States. The first Divine Liturgy - Holy Badarak was offered in 1895. The Church was formally registered in 1900. The Church was first located on Monterey and F Streets, however, that building was tragically destroyed in a 1913 fire that engulfed much of downtown Fresno. Fortunately, the congregation had decided the previous year that the church needed a new building, and in 1914, the new church on Ventura and "M" Street was finished and consecrated, this location has been serving the church to this day. The Church sanctuary is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the only building of the Armenian architectural style listed there. Morning services are held at 9:30 AM followed by the Holy Badarak at 10:00 AM; an English morning service is held on the last Sunday of each month, beginning at 9:15 AM. (2226 Ventura St, 93721)

Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church

Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church was founded in 1901 by Armenians who came from the Armenian Congregational Church and sought that spiritual home. It is a part of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America and follows the legacy of the 19th century movement for reformation. The church has had three locations throughout its history, the first was on Van Ness and Inyo on the site of First Congregational Church from 1911 to 1921, next was on Merced and M Street which served the church for forty years, their current location is on First Street, near Dakota, which was built during the 1960s with the sanctuary completed in 1970. Armenian services are held on the third Sunday of each month, with English worship held every Sunday and Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. (3673 N First St, 93726)

Saint Gregory Armenian Church

In an impressive ceremony, St. Gregory The Illuminator Church of Fowler was consecrated on April 17, 1910, by Bishop Hovsep Sarajian, in the presence of a large congregation. The Church became the fourth established Church in North America. One week after the consecration ceremonies, Ghevont and Hayasdan Shahbazian were the first couple married in the new church. Over the years, the original Church Building has been enlarged and a Church Hall and Sunday School classes have been added. In the last four years, the Church site has been enhanced by a park, basketball and volleyball courts, playground, and courtyard, all of which are frequently used and enjoyed by parishioners. (220 S. Third, Fowler, CA 93625)

Historic Sites

Fresno Evening Herald

The Fresno Evening Herald building was located on Inyo and L Street. From 1917 to 1921, William Saroyan sold newspapers for them. The building was torn down and a new building was erected in its place, which is now home to the Fresno Credit Bureau Company. (757 L St, 93721)

First Armenian Presbyterian Church (Former Site)

First Armenian Presbyterian Church was formerly located at Santa Clara and Fulton Streets. It was the church that William Saroyan attended in his youth. Although it is no longer standing, a plaque remains at the site which bears a quote by William Saroyan. (Santa Clara and Fulton Streets)