Who We Are
The Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom (ACC UK) has been a cornerstone of the UK Armenian diaspora for decades, serving as a unifying body for Armenians across the country. Founded with the mission to represent and act on behalf of the community, the Council has consistently championed initiatives aimed at fostering the moral, educational, intellectual, and social development of Armenians in the UK. Through its work, ACC UK has become a vital institution that not only preserves Armenian heritage but also strengthens the bonds within the community.
One of the Council’s primary objectives has been to promote the rich language, history, and culture of the Armenian people. Over the years, ACC UK has supported and organized cultural events, educational programs, and community activities that bring Armenians together while celebrating their shared heritage. From traditional music and dance workshops to Armenian language schools, these initiatives ensure that younger generations stay connected to their roots while fostering a deeper understanding of Armenia’s legacy.
Beyond cultural preservation, ACC UK has played a pivotal role in supporting organisations, charities, and institutions that serve the interests of Armenians worldwide. By collaborating with local and international groups, the Council has provided a platform for charitable efforts, humanitarian aid, and advocacy work. This commitment has extended to fostering meaningful relationships with Armenia and its Diaspora, promoting cooperation and unity across borders.
Today, ACC UK continues to thrive as a representative body dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of the Armenian community in the UK. Whether advocating for community interests, organizing events, or providing resources, the Council remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the values, traditions, and aspirations of Armenians while fostering a sense of unity and belonging in the Diaspora. Its work ensures that the Armenian spirit flourishes in the United Kingdom for generations to come.
First Armenian Community and Church Council members in 1947 were; Mr. Edward Benlian, Mr. Sarkis Kurkjian, Mr. Charls Zohrab, Mr. Oonjian, Mr. Hagop Esefian, Mr. Artashes Khatchadourian, Mr. Robert Michael, Mr. Hrand Abadjian, Mr. Hrand Safrastian, Dr. Oorunjian and Mr. Albert Shainian.
Armenian Community and Church Council (some members not in picture) 1975 – 1980 The elected members were: Haik Abadjian, Haroutun Aivazian, Simon Alexanian, Paregh Bohjelian, Asadour Guzelian, Arman Keshishian, Garo Krikorian, Emil Markar, Diran Ouzounian, Mackertich Pachaian, Hagop Palamoudian, Haig Thaddeus, Hayastan Vartanian, Eric Woskan (Not in photo), Bishop Bozabalian. Photo includes His Holiness Vasken I.
Armenian Community and Church Council (some members not in picture) 1981 – 1986 The elected members were: Ophelia Kouyoumjian, Arman Keshishian, Harutyun Ayvazian, Garo Krikorian, Anahid Gorgodian, Mackertich Pachaian, Hayastan Vartanian, Hagop Palamoudian, Haig Thadeus, Krikor Tchelbakian, Antranik Tzouligian, Haig Tahta, Noubar Derounian, Lucas Gregory, Fr. Nerses Nerssessian Bishop Gizerian, Bishop Bazabalian, Photo includes His Holiness Vasken I.
Armenian Community and Church Council 1987 – 1992 The elected members were: Hovaness Avakian, Armen Sahakian, Coco Chelbakian, Hagop Palamoudian, Hayastan Vartanian, Arman Keshishian, Zabel Malas, Antranik Tzoulikian, Anoush Major, Ophelia Kouyoumjian, Vartan Ouzounian, Garo Garabedian, Siamanto Garabedian, Hovnan Hampartsoumian, Garbis Yesaian, Rostom Stepanian, Bishop Yeghiche Gizizrian
Armenian Community and Church Council 2002 – 2007 The elected members were: Matilda Megerdichian, Arshalous Babayan, Zepur Kiledjian, Karineh Grigorians, Ara Yeghiazarian, Antranik Jojaghaian, Rostom Krikorian, Stepan Tatulian, Viken Haladjian, Ara Palamoudian, Charle Malas, Hovnan Hampartsoumian, Suren Saroukhanof, Zorik Gasparian, Haig Gulvanesian, Bishop Nathan, Photo includes His Holiness Karekin II
Armenian Community and Church Council (some members not in picture) 2007-2011 The elected members were: Rita Cherchian, Matilda Megerdichian, Ara Palamoudian Zorik Gasparian, Arshalous Babayan, Zepur Kiledjian, Setrak Karanfilian, Zareh Jerejian, Viken Haladjian, Charle Malas, Stepan Tatulian, Lorees Arakelian, Antranik Jojaghaian, Hovanes Avakian, Bishop Nathan, Not in Photo Anna Hagopyan.
Armenian Community and Church Council (some members not in picture) 2011-2016 The elected members were: Rita Cherchian, Matilda Megerdichian, Ara Palamoudian Zorik Gasparian, Arshalous Babayan, Zepur Kiledjian, Setrak Karanfilian, Zareh Jerejian, Viken Haladjian, Charle Malas, Stepan Tatulian, Lorees Arakelian, Antranik Jojaghaian, Haik Manukyan, Bishop Vahan Hovhanesian, Not in Photo Manouk Mikaelian, Saro Mardoian
Armenian Community Council members 2018 - 2024 Front row, from left- Zorik Gasparian, Karnig Tarverdi, Matilda Megerdichian, Maral Jakman, Vasken Kassemjian, Setrag Karanfilian, Viken Haladjian and Karnig Derderian. Back row from left- Adom Sabounjian, Raffi Sarkissian, Stepan Tatulian, Hrach Kouyoumjian, HG Bishop Hovakim Manukian, Ambassador Arman Kirakossian, Armand Abramian and Kevork Ohanian.
The ACC UK is founded on the principles of community engagement, cultural preservation, inclusivity, collaboration, and integrity. These values drive its commitment to fostering a unified Armenian community in the UK while embracing diversity within its membership. By promoting transparency and working closely with organizations and individuals, the Council ensures that Armenian traditions, language, and history are preserved and celebrated across generations.
The mission of the Armenian Community Council of the United Kingdom (ACC UK) is to represent and serve the Armenian community by promoting cultural, educational, and social development. Through fostering connections within the diaspora and with Armenia, ACC UK seeks to preserve Armenian heritage, strengthen communal bonds, and provide resources to meet the evolving needs of Armenians in the UK.
The ACC UK aims to empower and support the Armenian community in the UK by promoting cultural and educational initiatives, offering essential community services, and advocating for the collective interests of Armenians. Through events, workshops, youth programs, and partnerships with charities and diaspora organizations, the Council strives to strengthen connections within the Armenian community and with Armenia itself, ensuring a thriving and united future for all Armenians in the UK.
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary (English)
Treasurer
Secretary (Armenian)
Kevork Tahta - Trustee
Executive Committee Chair
The Armenian community in the United Kingdom has a rich and dynamic history, dating back to the 18th century. The first wave of Armenian immigrants settled in Manchester, drawn by the city's thriving textile industry. By the 19th century, these early settlers began forming cohesive communities that laid the foundation for a larger Armenian presence. The community expanded significantly during and after the Armenian Genocide of 1915, as many sought refuge in Britain to escape persecution. Subsequent waves of immigration followed during World War II and more recently, resulting in a vibrant and diverse Armenian population spread across the UK.
Religion has always played a central role in the identity of British Armenians. Most of the community belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church, which operates under the jurisdiction of the See of Holy Echmiadzin. The UK is home to three major Armenian churches: St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiché in London, and the Holy Trinity Church in Manchester, which opened in 1870 as the first Armenian Church in Britain. These churches not only serve as places of worship but also as cultural and social hubs, hosting events and fostering connections among Armenians in the diaspora.
The Armenian community in the UK is geographically concentrated in a few key areas. The majority reside in Greater London and Manchester, with west London alone housing approximately 40% of the British-Armenian population. While the 2001 UK Census recorded 589 Armenian-born individuals, it is estimated that up to 18,000 ethnic Armenians, including British-born and those of partial Armenian descent, currently live in the UK. This figure reflects the community's diverse makeup, which includes immigrants from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Egypt, and Palestine.
The Armenian presence in the UK is marked by resilience and adaptability, as well as a strong commitment to preserving cultural and religious traditions. Whether as early textile merchants in Manchester or as modern professionals in Greater London, British Armenians have enriched the cultural and social fabric of the UK. Their contributions, bolstered by a network of institutions and organizations, ensure that the Armenian heritage continues to thrive across generations while remaining an integral part of the broader British multicultural landscape.
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