The Surp Asdvadzadzin Verapokhum Church, also known as the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is a historic Armenian Catholic church located on Büyükada in Istanbul’s Adalar district. The church was authorized by a 1856 imperial decree and was opened to the community in 1858 by Andon Ağa Apelyan during the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The building underwent significant restorations in 1956 and 1985, which brought it to its current state.
Last Wednesday evening, we had the opportunity to attend a concert held at this historic church. The event began with a piano recital by seven children aged 10 to 20, including one boy. The boy’s performance, played entirely from memory, was particularly impressive, earning considerable praise from the audience. All the children showcased their talents beautifully, and they were warmly applauded at the end of the concert.
In addition to the children’s performances, a young baritone singer from Los Angeles, in his twenties, delivered a captivating rendition of a folk song. The acoustics of the church amplified his powerful voice, enhancing the emotional impact of his performance. Although I had passed by the church many times over the years, this was my first opportunity to see the interior. The walls were adorned with portraits of religious figures, numerous crosses, and a preaching area, all of which highlighted the church’s rich history and spiritual depth.
A priest from Kınalıada addressed the audience during the concert, speaking fluently in both Armenian and Turkish, with occasional English interjections, which further underscored the church’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
The concert concluded at 11:00 PM. This event not only shed light on the rich history of this important structure in Büyükada but also provided a platform for local artists and guests to showcase their talents. It was a reminder of the significant role the church continues to play in the artistic and cultural life of the community.