Armenian Apostolic Church in Portugal
Faith • Tradition • Community
AboutClergyParish CouncilServicesDonateContacts
Join Us
AboutClergyParish CouncilServicesDonateContacts
Join Us

Welcome to

Armenian Apostolic Church in Portugal

A place of prayer, community, and heritage, nurturing faith and togetherness.

Join Us
♰

Ancient Oriental Orthodox Church

Belonging to the family of six autocephalous Oriental Orthodox churches — alongside Coptic, Syriac, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Malankara — the Armenian Apostolic Church traces its roots back to the Apostolic era and separated from the broader Christian Church after the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD.

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Founded by Apostles Bartholomew & Thaddeus

They were disciples of Jesus Christ who brought Christianity to the Armenian people and established the first Armenian Christian communities in the 1st century. That’s why our church is called apostolic.

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Armenia – the first Christian state

Christianity became the state religion of Armenia in 301 AD through the efforts of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who converted King Tiridates III and established the Armenian Apostolic Church. Gregory’s leadership laid the foundation for a national church, uniting the Armenian people in faith and shaping the spiritual and cultural identity of the nation.

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History

The Armenian Apostolic Church in Portugal is a religious organization serving the spiritual, cultural, and educational needs of the Armenian community in Portugal. It operates under the authority of the Pontifical Legation of Western Europe (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin).

The first Divine Liturgy took place in April 2024 in Lisbon, led by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Pontifical Legate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Europe. This marked the first official celebration of the Armenian liturgy in Portugal in modern times.

A parish group was formed in 2025 to begin the process of officially registering the Church.

On May 17, 2025, the first traditional Holy Baptism took place in the Church of Saint Peter in Miragaia, Porto, administered by Rev. Father Toros Esayan. The Monteiro–Ogadzhanian family were baptized, with the Makiyan–Chirkinyan family serving as godparents. This ceremony marked a historic milestone for the Armenian community in Portugal.

A major milestone for the Church occurred on 15 January 2026, when documents were signed to officially register "IAAP – Igreja Apostólica Arménia em Portugal Associação Cristã", granting the Church legal status. The documents were signed by Grisha Sahakyan, Narine Dellalian, and Smbat Makiyan, and this achievement was made possible with the legal support of Cristiane Puxian. This registration strengthened the Church’s ability to serve the Armenian community through spiritual, cultural, and educational activities.

Today, the Armenian community in Portugal continues to grow. The Church serves as a hub for religious, cultural, and social activities, supporting the community’s connection to its roots and fostering its development in a new homeland.
Rev. Fr. Toros Esayan
Priest
Rev. Fr. Toros Esayan
I am here to celebrate sacraments, guide spiritually, and support our community.
I serve in Spain under the Pontifical Legation of Western Europe of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Before my current ministry, I faithfully served from 2006 to 2022 in the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhichevan and Russia at St. Stepanos Church in Kaliningrad. These years of pastoral service continue to guide me as I support and strengthen our Armenian community.

Through prayer, service, and dedication, I strive to nurture the spiritual life of the Armenian diaspora and to help preserve our faith, traditions, and Armenian identity.

If you wish to arrange a Marriage or Baptism in Portugal, or if you are seeking spiritual guidance, please feel free to contact us.
WhatsApp

Parish Council

The executive, administrative, and pastoral body of the parish. Led by the Parish Priest and elected members, it manages the church’s spiritual life, finances, records, events, and communications, supports liturgical services, and promotes Armenian cultural activities. Current members are appointed by the Clergy until elections are held, in accordance with the Church Bylaws.

Grisha

President

Narine

Vice-President

Smbat

Secretary

Nare

Fiscal Council

Arsen

Fiscal Council

Patil

Fiscal Council

Zhan

Directory Member

Marine

Directory Member

Diana

Directory Member

Cristiane

Directory Member

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Matthew 18:20

Celebrations and Sacraments

Baptism & Chrismation
Penance & Holy Communion
Marriage
What is Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament through which a person is born into a new life in Christ. Through water and the Holy Spirit, the believer is cleansed from sin, united with Christ, and becomes a member of the Church. In the Armenian Apostolic Church, Baptism is inseparably joined with Chrismation and Holy Communion, making the newly baptized a full participant in the life of the Church.
Who can be baptized?
Anyone who has not previously been baptized may receive Baptism. This includes both children and adults. Adults are baptized after conscious preparation and profession of faith. Children are baptized with the commitment that they will be raised in the Christian faith by their parents and godfather within the life of the Church. Baptism is received only once and is not repeated.
What is the role of the godfather?
The Baptism requires a godfather (there is no role of godmother). The godfather professes the faith on behalf of the child or supports the faith of an adult being baptized. He takes on the responsibility of guiding the baptized person in the Christian life, helping them grow in faith, prayer, and understanding of the Church. For this reason, the godfather must be a baptized and practicing member of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
How to prepare for Baptism?
Preparation for Baptism includes understanding the meaning of the sacrament and being ready to begin a Christian life. Adults may be asked to attend catechetical meetings with a priest. Parents and godfathers are encouraged to meet with the priest in advance in order to understand their spiritual responsibilities. Practical preparation includes arranging a baptismal cross, a white and red cord (narot), two candles, a towel, and appropriate clothing for the ceremony.
On which days can baptisms be held?
Baptisms can be held on any day without restrictions.
What is Penance & Holy Communion?
Penance is the sacrament of repentance. By confessing our sins to a priest and sincerely turning to God, we receive forgiveness and spiritual healing. True repentance is about changing the heart, not just feeling guilty.

Holy Communion is the sacrament of receiving Christ’s Body and Blood in the form of bread and wine. It unites believers with Christ and each other, strengthens faith, and nourishes the soul. Preparation involves prayer, self-examination, and reconciliation with others.
What is Marriage?
The Sacrament of Marriage (Holy Matrimony) is the sacred union in which a man and a woman receive God’s blessing to begin a shared Christian life. Through this sacrament, the couple commits themselves to love, faithfulness, and mutual support, asking God to sanctify their union and guide them in their life together.
What are the conditions for Marriage?
Couples must be mature and in good health. Both must be baptized and not closely related; historically, the Armenian Church required a separation of seven generations. They should share the same faith and be married in the Church by a priest. Weddings performed in secret are considered invalid.
On which days can Marriages be held?
Marriages can take place any day except memorial days after the five major feasts, all days of Lent, the first eight days of Easter, and certain weekly fasts.
How should couples prepare?
Preparation for Marriage begins with spiritual readiness. Couples should speak with a priest in advance, reflect on their faith, and understand the sacred meaning of the sacrament. Marriage is a lifelong spiritual commitment, entered freely, consciously, and with responsibility before God and the Church.

Couples must arrange the date and time of the wedding with the priest. The ceremony takes place in the presence of a witness ("khachehpair" or "qavor") and the congregation. Couples should also bring wedding rings, two lit candles, and wine.
What is the role of the witness ("khachehpair" or "qavor")?
The "Khachehpair" (or "Qavor") plays a key role in the wedding. He is not just a witness, but a spiritual sponsor, pledging before God to support the couple and help raise their children in the faith. During the ceremony, he actively participates, holding the crowns over the bride and groom to symbolize their union. He must be baptized, of mature age, and preferably happily married.

Donate

Thanks to Grisha, we have a temporary account for church needs:

GRISHA SAHAKYAN
IBAN: PT50 0033 0000 4577 6826 2690 5

The minimum contribution is €5 per family per month to cover liturgy and office costs. If you wish to support additional events, you are welcome to donate more. Regular payments can be set up directly in your banking app.

Contacts

Adress:
Rua Fialho de Almeida, nº 14, 2º Esq. – Escritório FD03
1070-129 Avenidas Novas, Lisboa

Email:
info@armenianchurch.pt

Phone:
+34685696196 (WhatsApp)
Armenian Apostolic Church in Portugal
Faith • Tradition • Community
 © 2026. IAAP – Igreja Apostólica Arménia em Portugal – Associação Cristã. All rights reserved
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