St. Gregory The Illuminator

The history of the Armenian community in Binghamton, New York, dates back to the year 1923. A rug-dealer as Constantine Gertmanian became the first Armenian who settled in Binghamton. At present, the number of the Armenian living in Binghamton and surrounding area is estimated at 300. They have immigrated to the United States mainly from Hadjin, Kharpert and Sepasdia. There are also several Kesabtzies. In the past, the Armenian earned their livelihood by working in shoe factories as well as in dry cleaning plants.

In 1928, after a successful fund raising campaign , they managed to purchase the building of Ross Memorial Presbyterian Church for $6300 with a sitting capacity of 300. An additional $ 3500 was spent for repairs, renovation and changes to convert the structure into an Armenian Church.

The consecration of the church was performed by, His Eminence Archbishop Dirayr Ohannesian, former Primate of the Armenian Church of North America who named it after our father in the faith, St Gregory the Illuminator, having Vahan Aslanian as god-father Rev.Harootune Toomayian also participated in the consecration in his capacity as the first pastor of the church.

In 1953, the Sunday school was established and organized under the supervision of the Very rev Torkom Manoogian, now His Eminence Archbishop Torkom, Primate of the Armenian Church of North America. Mrs. Carol Bogdasarian, as the director of religious education, ran the Sunday school for twelve years with exemplary dedication. Now, the same task is being carried on By Mrs. Adrienne Kachadourian with great enthusiasm.

In 1965, the organization of Armenian Language School became a reality through the untiring efforts of its superintendent, Mrs. Alice Boyajian . A considerable number of people took advantage of the opportunity. At present, Very Rev. Fr. Sooren Chinchinian has taken upon himself to teach in the Armenian Weekly Language Classes.For a long period of time, the church remained without a permanent pastor, and the spiritual needs of her members were fulfilled by guest clergymen who paid visits on a regular basis, every month. Among the visiting pastors who served the church are very Rev. Paren Avedikian, Very rev. Mesrob Semerdjian and Rev. Vertanes Papazian.

In 1972 Archbishop Torkom Manoogian assigned Raymond Arakelian to be in charge of the religious affairs of the parish. In the following year, Deacon Arakelian received ordination to the priesthood and was renamed Father Kevork to become the second permanent pastor of St. Gregory. Under his guidance and leadership, outstanding progress was made in church organization with special impetus given to the Sunday school. For seven years Der. Kevork promoted fellowship within the parish and involved our church ecumenically with other South Side churches. On February 5, 1980 Der. Kevork moved to the Western Diocese where he assumed the pastoral of the St. Gregory Armenian church of Fowler, California.

On may 17, 1980 Very rev. Fr. Sooren Chinchinian replaced Father Kevork as the third permanent pastor of the St. Gregory. Father Sooren’s main accomplishments consist in publishing a newsletter entitled Sunrise and the restoration of the Armenian Weekly language Classes. His efforts are designed to generate Armenian spirit among the new generation though preaching and cultural gatherings.The church affiliated organizations composed the Choir, Sunday school, and Women’s Guild, Youth Group, are quite active and contribute to the welfare of the church in their respective capacity. The parish of St.Gregory small in number but strong in determination is scheduled to celebrate its 50^th anniversary on June 13, 1981.

Very rev. Sooren Chinchinian