Holy Cross Cathedral of Paris of the Armenians

Where is the Holy Cross Cathedral of the Armenians in Paris?

Address: 13-15 rue du Perche, 75003 Paris

What is the origin of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Paris of the Armenians?

Sainte-Croix de Paris des Arméniens has its roots in the early 17th century. In 1623, financier Claude Charlot, who was developing the Temple district, commissioned the construction of the Saint-Jean-Saint-François church and an adjacent convent for the Capuchin friars, then dedicated to the role of volunteer firemen. The convent's chapel, called the convent des petits capucins du Marais, was erected in 1623.

What was the history of the church during the French Revolution?

During the Revolution, the convent was destroyed, except for the chapel, which in 1791 became the parish church of “Saint-François d'Assise.” In 1803, after the Concordat, it was restored to its religious function under the administration of the clergy of the Saint-Jean-en-Grève church, adopting the name “Saint-Jean-Saint-François.”

How did the church evolve in the 19th century?

Between 1828 and 1832, the church was enlarged, and in 1851 Victor Baltard rebuilt its porch. During this period, the famous organ builder Cavaillé-Coll built one of his first Parisian organs in 1844.

What is the link between the church and the Armenian community?

In 1970, the church, then closed to worship, was entrusted to the Armenian community by Cardinal Marty. It was first called “Saint-Jean-Sainte-Croix” before becoming the “Cathédrale Sainte-Croix de Paris” in 1986, when the Exarchate of Armenian Catholics was elevated to the rank of eparchy.

What can be said about the cathedral's exterior architecture?

Victor Baltard designed a new entrance for the church with an eclectic porch blending Romanesque and Renaissance inspirations. It features a pediment decorated with festoons and Doric pilasters, with medallions depicting Saint Francis of Assisi in ecstasy and the emblems of Saint John the Baptist.

What artistic treasures does the church contain?

The cathedral's interior is basilica-shaped, with a barrel vault covering the nave. It features the magnificent sculpture “Saint François en extase” by Germain Pilon, as well as a “Saint Denis” by the Marsy brothers. Paintings include works by Frère Luc, Hugues Taraval, Ary Scheffer, Thomas Degeorge, and Jean-Pierre Franque.

What about the cathedral's organs?

The cathedral has two organs built by Cavaillé-Coll. The gallery organ, dating from 1844, is listed as a Historic Monument, with 19 stops on two manual keyboards and pedalboard. The choir organ, dating from 1850, features two manual keyboards and pedalboard, and has welcomed renowned musicians such as César Franck, Léo Delibes and Jules Massenet since 1850.

What recent restorations have been undertaken?

In 2019 and 2020, the Mairie de Paris, with the support of a patron, undertook restorations of both the interior of the church and several of its paintings.

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