In the late 1920’s a group of Oakland families felt the need to establish an Armenian church in the vicinity. On Sunday, June 1, 1924, their first church service was held at the Greek Church in West Oakland with Rev. Fr. Vartan Kasparian officiating.
St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church was consecrated on April 7, 1957
by Bishop Vartan Kasparian.
In 1985 Rev. Fr. Mesrob Sarafian became St. Vartan’s Parish Priest. He led the Parish with selfless devotion, faithful commitment and good-humored patience until he was called home to the Lord in 2009. Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan was installed as St. Vartan’s pastor on July 11, 2009. Our current priest, Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan came to St. Vartan Church on March 8, 2020.
