Saint Jacob Armenian-Apostolic Church, Armenian religious temple in Troinex, Geneva, Switzerland
Saint Jacob Armenian-Apostolic Church is an Armenian place of worship featuring a stone facade made of tuff volcanic rock and a 16-sided tower topped with a light grey cross. Located in Troinex, the structure serves as a venue for prayer and religious celebrations of the Armenian community.
Built between 1967 and 1969 by descendants of survivors of the Armenian genocide from Western Armenia, the church was financed by an initial 400,000 francs donated by the Italian-Armenian businessman Hagop Topalian (1897–1985). Architects Frédéric Gaultier and Édouard Utudjian drew up the plans, and Archbishop Serovpe Manoukian of Paris consecrated it on 14 September 1969.
The church is the seat of a parish serving the Armenian community in Geneva, and several organisations are based at it: a Sunday school, the Armenian Ladies' Union, a youth club, the Armenian Doctors' Union, Pro Armenia, the Ani dance ensemble and the Araks choir. The church is dedicated to Saint Jacob, Hakob in Armenian.
The church is situated on Route de Troinex and welcomes Armenian congregation members and other visitors during prayer times and religious events. Easy access allows guests to join the community and experience the religious practices firsthand.
The first major donation of 400,000 francs came from the Italo-Armenian businessman Hagop Topalian (1897–1985), after whom the church is named. The architects were Frédéric Gautier and Édouard Utudjian. The church was consecrated on 14 September 1969 by Archbishop Serovpe Manoukian of Paris.
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