On 6th December 2024, a convention was signed at the Paris Town Hall, concerning the Cathedral “Sainte-Croix-des-Arméniens Catholiques de France”.
This event, the day before “Notre Dame” opening ceremony, takes on an even greater significance and marked the signature of the second Sponsorship Agreement for the restoration of the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, signifying the continuation of restoration efforts for this treasured place which is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Armenian Community in Paris.
The ceremony brought together Mrs Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, Mr Ara Aharonian, benefactor of the “Éparchie Sainte-Croix”, Paris city officials among which Mrs Karen Taiëb, the Armenian Ambassador, Mr Arman Khachatryan, the Artsakh Representative, Mr Hovhannès Guevorkian, religious community representatives among which Mgr Elie Yeghiayan, Mgr Krikor Khachatryan and Pastor Gilbert Léonian and notable figures of the French Armenian community such as Bedros Terzian.
The first phase of the Sainte-Croix Cathedral restoration, spanning 2016-2019, included the nave, the choir and rear choir. The total cost for this phase was €1.8 million, with €620,000 generously financed by Mr. Ara Aharonian.
The second phase, now underway, focuses on the Chapels of the Virgin, St. Francis, and Saint Theresa, with an estimated cost of €700,000, of which €525,000 has already been pledged.
This new Sponsorship Agreement underlines the unfailing commitment of the signatories both to Parisian heritage but also and above all to Armenian community.
