Denver consecrates first U.S. Armenian church named for St. Hripsime
First U.S. Armenian Apostolic church named for St. Hripsime consecrated in Denver
Colorado's Armenian Apostolic community celebrated the consecration of St. Hripsime and All Saints Armenian Church in Denver, marking the first U.S. Armenian Apostolic church to bear the saint's name. The church was consecrated by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
The Denver parish, established in 2003, grew from modest beginnings—holding its first liturgy at a Greek Orthodox church—into a permanent sanctuary built over two decades by more than 200 Armenian families pooling resources and labor. The consecration ceremony included the traditional Navagadik service and was attended by Armenian government officials, diocesan leaders, and community members.
The naming carries historical significance: St. Hripsime is venerated as an early Armenian Christian martyr whose legacy is enshrined in the Cathedral of St. Hripsime in Armenia. Church leaders emphasized the new sanctuary represents continuity of Armenian spiritual and cultural life in the diaspora.
