In the initial days following the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion, the Armenian community in Dnipro set up a humanitarian hub. This center consistently offers aid to internally displaced persons and the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The robust Armenian community is united around the St. Grigor Lusavorich Church, the largest of its kind in Eastern Europe, constructed with the help of prominent Ukrainian philanthropists.
Ukraine, home to more than 100 ethnic groups, demonstrates its strength through its diversity. For over 30 years, these groups have integrated into a unified political nation while retaining their distinct cultural, linguistic, and ideological traits. Following the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainian citizens of various nationalities rallied to defend their homeland.
Armenians, one of the largest minority groups, were no exception. This nation is often cited as one of the oldest existing nations. Their presence in Ukraine dates back thousands of years, with a significant increase in their population over the last few decades, partly due to the events in their Transcaucasian homeland after the collapse of the USSR.
Based on data from the 2001 census, Ukraine was home to nearly 100,000 Armenians. Current unofficial estimates suggest that this number has now risen to around 400,000. One of the most active and youthful Armenian communities is found in the city of Dnipro and its surrounding region. This community has produced notable figures in the recent history of Ukraine, such as Serhiy Nigoyan from the Dnipro region, the first Hero of the Heavenly Hundred. Tragically, he wasn't the last ethnic Armenian to sacrifice his life for Ukraine.
In Dnipro, the Armenian community established a humanitarian headquarters at the onset of the full-scale war, continuing to support internally displaced persons and Ukrainian defenders. The community's unity is largely attributed to a shared spiritual center: St. Grigor Lusavorich, the largest Armenian church in Eastern Europe. Supported by well-known Ukrainian philanthropists, this grand church was opened in Dnipro nearly six years ago. A significant moment for the Dnipro Armenian community was on March 17, 2018, when the church was consecrated by the Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, during his special visit to Ukraine. This event marked a significant chapter in the history of Dnipro's Armenian community.
Consecration of the Church of St. Grigor Lusavorich in Dnipro, March 17, 2018. Photo: Radio Liberty
The construction of the church took almost 15 years due to the project's ambitious and costly nature. The first stones of the foundation were placed in the summer of 2003, but it wasn't until 2010 that active construction really took off. When the project was on the brink of stalling, significant assistance came from well-known Dnipro residents Oleksandr Petrovskyi and Emil Harutyunyan.
Philanthropists Oleksandr Petrovskyi and Emil Harutyunyan, with the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Karekin II
Their support was aided by top Armenian architects from Ukraine and Israel, namely Varuzhan Hayrapetyan, Khachik Danielyan, and Samvel Makyan. A major challenge arose with the discovery of floats under the construction site. In response, the architectural team decided to rest the foundation on a special concrete disk, avoiding the conventional pile-driving method.
The choice of building material presented another obstacle. Traditionally, Armenian churches are constructed from Armenian tuff, a porous volcanic stone that is both warm to the touch and easy to work with. In Armenia, this stone is steeped in legend, believed to have formed from the blood of Armenians in historical battles with foreign invaders. The critical question was how to source this unique stone in Ukraine.
Oleksandr Petrovskyi, a renowned philanthropist and president of the Solidarity International Charitable Foundation, was adamant about upholding the Armenian tradition in the church's construction, recognizing its significance to the local community. Through his efforts, a unique peach-colored tuff was sourced from Armenia. Seven wagonloads of this distinct stone were transported to Dnipro: first by sea to Mykolaiv, and then by train.
The support of Petrovskyi and Emil Harutyunyan for the church extended beyond just the construction phase. They played a critical role in arranging a visit to Dnipro by the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Their patronage of the church was not limited to this. When the church was completed, Oleksandr Petrovskyi and Emil Harutyunyan helped organize a visit to Dnipro by the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II during the consecration of the Church of St. Grigor Lusavorich in Dnipro, March 17, 2018. Photo: Ukrinform
The Petrovsky family has been a significant benefactor of the Ukrainian Church for many years. Oleksandr Petrovskyi, in particular, has distinguished himself as a Christian diplomat. His efforts have been instrumental in enhancing interfaith cooperation in Dnipro. This turned out to be a key factor that contributed to the city's resilience during the Russian aggression in February-March 2014. During this challenging time, representatives from all faiths united to defend Dnipro and blessed the first volunteer battalions that were deployed to protect eastern Ukraine. Similarly, at the onset of the full-scale war in 2022, soldiers, volunteers, military doctors, and others were invited to the altar of St. Grigor Lusavorich Church for ceremonial foot washing.
Moreover, interfaith dialogue, including active engagements with Orthodox churches worldwide, is crucial for the international acknowledgment of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Inthe spring of 2018, intensive discussions between Kyiv and Constantinople began concerning the grant of the Tomos to the Ukrainian Church, with Oleksandr Petrovskyi playing a participatory role. Despite efforts by Moscow's special services to isolate the Ukrainian church internationally and present it as canonically solitary, these initiatives were overcome. The Armenian Patriarch's visit to Ukraine, arranged despite tense Ukraine-Armenia relations and Russian interference, emerged as a diplomatic triumph, demonstrating the absence of such isolation. The support of Armenian Church, one of the oldest Christian denominations, was also pivotal in Ukraine receiving the Tomos in early 2019.
Representatives of religious denominations at the consecration of the Church of St. Grigor Lusavorich in Dnipro, March 17, 2018. Photo: Ukrinform
For the young Armenian generation born in Dnipro, the newly built St. Grigor Lusavorich Church has become not only a piece of their historical heritage but also a vital link to their new Ukrainian homeland. The events of 2022 emphasized the commitment of Dnipro's Armenians to Ukraine, demonstrating that in times of grave danger, they clearly sided with the country.
The contributions of Oleksandr Petrovskyi as the president of the Solidarity Foundation, notably in constructing the church and organizing the March 2018 visit, did not go unnoticed. Karekin II acknowledged his efforts by awarding him the Order of Saints Sahak and Mesrop, a prestigious honor from the Armenian Apostolic Church. The award ceremony was a significant event in Dnipro, attended by notable figures, including Armenian clergy, and leaders of various religious communities from across Ukraine who gathered for the church's consecration. Among the attendees were Bishop Simeon (Zinkevych) of Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (then Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kyiv Patriarchate) and Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine Claudio Gugerotti. Representatives from the Greek Catholic, Lutheran Church, Moscow Patriarchate, and the Muslim community were also present.
Karekin II, Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians honors philanthropists Oleksandr Petrovskyi and Emil Harutyunyan. Photo: 056.ua
The celebratory event served as yet another opportunity to strengthen interfaith cooperation, which is essential for ensuring the stability and security of the country.
