Yesterday we visited St. John Armenian Church to continue our journey uncovering the many diverse faiths right here in Metro Detroit. We were fortunate to have a full walk-through with Very Rev. Father Aren Jebejian.

The Detroit Armenian community has grown over the years with an estimated 30,000 Armenians, making it one of the larger Armenian communities in the United States.

The church offers many varied ministries: Children's Church School, Altar training, Junior and Senior youth groups, Bible Studies, Lenten Retreats, Women's and Men's groups, Senior Citizens, the learning of sacred music and singing with the Komitas Choir, Armenian cultural enrichment, and as well the Edward & Helen Mardigian Research Library and the Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum.

The Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum was built in 1992 and has a dual purpose: “it is both an artistic endeavor and an attempt to reconstruct the history of the Armenian people through the ages. The museum houses an eclectic collection that spans more than three millennia.” The museum came about by internationally known philanthropist, Alex Manoogian and Archbishop Paren Avedikian (who was the pastor of St. John Armenian Church at the time). Some of you may know the Manoogian name as the inventor of the Delta faucet. Manoogian was the creative genius behind turning dual faucets into a single-handle design.

Over the course of this film's story, we will step into the Armenian community to gain a better understanding of their rich heritage through food, art and music as they celebrate their faith at St. John.

We’re excited to include the rich Armenian culture and look forward to an in-depth interview with Very Rev. Father Aren Jebejian in the near future.