About me

Biography of Father Armen Melkonian

Father Armen Melkonian (baptismal name Sargis Melkonyan) was born on March 20, 1971, in Qamishli, Syria. He completed his primary education at the “Euphrates” National School in Qamishli and pursued his theological education at the Zarehian Theological Seminary of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Bikfaya, Lebanon.

On September 9, 1990, he was ordained into the priesthood by His Eminence Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, Prelate of the Diocese of Beria. Following his ordination, he began his service as a deacon at the Deir ez-Zor Aprilian Martyrs Memorial Complex. He later served as parish priest at St. Kevork Church in Nor Hachn and St. Sarkis Church in Nor Sis, Lebanon, until 1996. During these years, Father Armen was actively engaged in spiritual education, serving as editor of the “Mashtots” religious-moral monthly magazine, organizing lectures, and founding the “Meghri” youth choir.

Pastoral Ministry & Appointments

  • 1996–2018: Served as a visiting priest in Germany and the Netherlands.
  • 2018: Appointed spiritual pastor for the southern regions of the Netherlands (Zuid-Holland and Noord-Brabant).
  • 2019: Commenced pastoral service in the Limburg-Genk and Mechelen regions.
  • 2022: Appointed pastor of the Armenian community in Luxembourg.
  • December 1, 2024: Relieved of his duties within the Pontifical Delegation of Western Europe at his own request.
  • 2024: Elected pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Varna by the Varna Parish Council, confirmed by the Diocesan Council of Bulgaria.
  • April 23, 2026 – Present: Serves as spiritual pastor of Iglesia Apostólica Santa Maria (St. Mary Church) in Málaga / Benalmádena, Spain.

Personal Life & Languages

Father Armen is married and has four children (one daughter and three sons, aged 23 to 35).

Languages: English, Dutch, German, French, Arabic, Turkish, and Kurdish.

Contact Information & Social Media

“Service with dedication and love for Christ and His Church.”