Armenians in the South

Armenian communities in the South

Armenian communities in the southern United States, while smaller than those in other regions, have established significant and vibrant presences. In Florida, the Armenian population is estimated to be around 9,200 people. The state boasts several Armenian churches, including St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton and St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park.

Texas is another state with a notable Armenian community, estimated at around 4,900 people. Major cities like Houston and Dallas are home to Armenian churches such as St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Carrollton and St. Kevork Armenian Church in Houston.

Other southern states with Armenian communities include North Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. North Carolina has an estimated Armenian population of around 1,000, with St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Charlotte serving as the primary religious and cultural center. Georgia, with a population of around 3,200 Armenians, has churches like the Armenian Church of Atlanta and Holy Resurrection Armenian Church in Norcross. Louisiana also has a notable Armenian presence, centered around St. Garabed Armenian Church in Baton Rouge.

These churches not only provide religious services but also host cultural activities and social gatherings, helping to maintain and strengthen the Armenian identity in their respective states.

Tennessee has the Armenian Church of Nashville. It is a small parish that meets once a month. The church is less than one hour drive away from the Upper Cumberland region where the Hyeland Project is forming a new Armenian community in Tennessee. There are also plans to remotely connect to services on a regular basis in other parishes, to both help promote the project and to maintain a connection with the greater Armenian community.

Unlike the majority of the Armenian communities on the coasts and in the north, some of these Armenian communities are easily accessible from rural areas. These Armenian communities in the South all have different strengths and weaknesses. Here’s why we think Tennessee tops them all.