Exploring Armenian Culture in New Jersey

Today, the Armenian community maintains their presence through churches, businesses, monuments, schools, and much more. However, Armenians of New Jersey are defined not by these physical institutions, but by their commitment to honoring their culture, language, and one another.

Whether you are a tourist or resident of New Jersey, you will not regret visiting the following Armenian sites. From art schools to food festivals, the Armenians of New Jersey have curated a place or event for anybody interested in connecting with the Armenian community.

Cre8sart is an Armenian-owned art school with three locations across NJ: Glen Rock, Hoboken and Fort Lee. Artist Mher Khachatryan and marketing specialist Syuzanna Arutunyam founded the school in 2012. Mher is a professional artist based in NYC. Also known as 'The Smoke Artist,' Mher's work focuses on themes of smoke, fire, life and death. Art students in Cre8sart School learn not only about technique, instruction, and theory, but they are also instructed on how to reach their own creative potential. In Syuzanna's words, "There are many art schools where people can learn how to paint, but Cre8sArt School is a place where people learn by creating." In their three New Jersey locations, Cre8sart School hosts project based classes, bring your own bottle events, art camps, birthday parties, etc.

In the early 1900s, the booming silk industry of New Jersey attracted many migrants, including Armenians. The Armenian migration to the silk mills of New Jersey was initiated by a group of men who were silkworm growers from Dikranagerd. Armenian communities began to blossom in silk towns such as Paterson and Summit. Created by Bryan Zanisnik, the silk monument honors Syrian and Armenian silk weavers whose contributions to the silk mills are not widely known. The monument, located in the Summit Village Green Park, contains columns of archival images displaying the 'Neighborhood House', a community center for migrants who worked in the silk mills, portraits of Syrian & Armenian weavers, their homes and families, and the mills they worked in.

Hovnanian Armenian School, a multi-lingual private school for grades PreK-8, holds an 'A' rating from Niche Schools and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and NJAIS Gold Standard Accreditation.

Alongside their standard coursework, students are immersed into the Armenian language through Armenian grammar, writing, reading, and history classes. The school has a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for a personalized learning environment for the students. Hovnanian Armenian School provides young Armenians in the diaspora the opportunity to maintain connections with their Armenian roots whilst setting them up for academic success.

Nayiri Dance Ensemble is a New Jersey based dance group with over 100 dancers from ages 3 to 30 that perform traditional Armenian dances. The group practices once a week beginning in September and performs several times a year. They have had the honor of sharing a stage with popular Armenian artists such as Nune Yesayan, Sirusho, Lilit Hovannisyan, Andre, and many others. The group is directed and instructed by Baron Barkev Sanossian at the St. Mathew's Armenian Episcopal Church in Paramus, New Jersey. All are welcome to Nayiri Dance Ensemble's next performance on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the St. Matthews Church for Mother's Day.

The St. Leon Armenian Apostolic Church was established in Paterson in 1932, but has since relocated to Fair Lawn as of 1967. Every Sunday, morning service begins at 9:00 am, with divine liturgy shortly following at 10:00 am. St. Leon also organizes a Sunday School, Senior Social Club, Women's Guild, Annual Food Festival, and many more events to develop the Armenian faith and community of New Jersey. The church posts a weekly bulletin publication that highlights the week's scripture readings, upcoming events, and parish activities

Spread across New Jersey are numerous Armenian Genocide memorials and plaques honoring Armenian Genocide martyrs. Organized by the Mayor of Montvale and the Armenia National Commitee of New Jersey, an annual commemoration is held at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Montvale, NJ. The commemoration is dedicated to honoring the lives of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. These plaques and monuments remind the people of New Jersey that the Armenian struggle is still alive, and that we must unite to commemorate and prevent the suffering of our people. Monuments and plaques are also maintained in the towns of Ridgefield, Hackensack, and Emerson.

Every September, the St. Mary Armenian Church of Livingston hosts their annual food festival. This highly anticipated event spans two days and features homemade Armenian and Mediterranean food such as eech, kebab, pilaf, dolma, lahmajun, and Armenian salads. Beyond the delicious Armenian food, St. Mary allows guests to enjoy live Armenian music, children's rides, arts and crafts, Armenian vendors, raffles, and even occasionally a car show. As the end of summer approaches, make sure you keep up with the St. Mary Armenian Church to find out when the next food festival will be.

Arshavir Shiragian is a beloved Armenian patriot and writer, honored by Armenians worldwide. Shiragian was part of Operation Nemesis, a program that was orchestrated to assassinate those most responsible for the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians. Arshavir successfully assassinated Said Hamil Pasha, Vahe Ihsan, Cemal Azmi, and Behaeddin Shakir. Shortly after, Shiragian moved to New York City, where he was active in the New Jersey and New York Armenian communities. He died in Englewood, NJ in 1973. He now rests peacefully at the Hackensack Cemetery of New Jersey, where his legacy is honored by the inscription 'Through Him Justice Was Served'.

The Tatev Monastery is what tourists usually come to Syunik for. Built in the late 9th — early 20th century, Tatev Monastery was one of the most important scientific and educational centers in medieval Armenia. In the XIV century, Tatev University operated here, where philosophy, theology, grammar, physics, mathematics, astronomy, calligraphy, architecture and other sciences were studied.

The architecture of the Tatev Monastery in combination with the natural landscape makes a great impression. Among the natural monuments is the Devil's Bridge (Satani kamurj) — a natural arch bridge formed over several centuries as a result of the accumulation of travertine (rock) and hot mineral water. The bridge is surrounded by mountain springs that colour the canyon rocks pink, yellow and green.

One of the most interesting modern attractions is the Wings of Tatev cable car. It is the longest reversible ropeway in the world — 5752 metres, it was included in the "Guinness Book of Records". The ride over the picturesque Vorotan Gorge lasts 12 minutes.

If you are trying to see the whole of Armenia, Goris is definitely a must. Try to spend at least a weekend in Goris to see it all and appreciate just how mountainous a region can be.