The first known Armenian church in Kayseri was built in 1191 and was known as Surp Krikor. This church, which survived until the 17th century, is mentioned again in 1653. The present structure is the same church, restored and rebuilt many times over the centuries.
In the first half of the 19th century, the church had fallen into ruin or was demolished. It was rebuilt in 1859, largely thanks to the efforts of Kevork Agha Mındigyan, a respected tradesman loved by all, who, together with his friends, fairly managed the church’s needs. All the local pastrami merchants, craftsmen, and artisans were among its main supporters. With great dedication, they completed the construction in a short time. Kevork Agha, who passed away in 1875, was buried in the church courtyard. The church’s interior plaster and gilded decorations were completed in 1903.
The Surp Lusavoriç Church was considered a people’s place of worship, whereas the Surp Asdvadzadzin and Surp Sarkis churches were regarded as sanctuaries for the city’s aristocratic class.
After World War I, the church underwent several repairs. In 1919, a benefactor donated 100 gold coins and, before the Vartavar celebration, rang the church bell on a Saturday evening, moving the congregation to tears.
As the only Armenian church in Central Anatolia, Surp Krikor Lusavoriç serves as the spiritual center for all the Armenian Christian communities in the region.
In 1996, the church was restored through the generosity of the brothers Zadig and Penyamin Toker from Kayseri. Its most recent renovation was completed in 2009, after which it was re-consecrated and reopened for worship by the Patriarchal Vicar General, Archbishop Aram Ateşyan.