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ARMENIAN CHURCH IN INDIA MARKS 300 YEARS OF SERVICE
December 25, 2012 - 15:26 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - The small group of Armenians in Chennai, the capital
city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, will have more reason to
rejoice on Christmas. For, the ancient St. Mary's Armenian Church
has completed 300 years of service to the community, Deccan Chronicle
reports.
Built in 1772, at the site of the Armenian cemetery where 350 graves
are laid, the church, also known as Armenian Church of Virgin Mary,
lends its name to the street at Parrys Corner. It houses a magnificent
belfry - 6 bells, said to be the largest bells in Chennai.
The tercentenary was celebrated with Rev. Fr. Geghart conducting the
Divine Liturgy followed by a requiem service. Armenians of Chennai
were famous for their printing press and charitable works.
It was in Madras that Aztarar, the first ever Armenian journal, was
printed and distributed by Rev. Harutiun Shmavonian in 1794. Though
Armenians of Chennai were known to be famous precious stone, silk
and spice merchants, there are few Armenians in the city now.
Former caretaker of the church, Michael Stephen, said, "I was happy
to attend the service thanks to Fr. Khoren. This is Armenian heritage
and we have to preserve this at any cost. God bless Indian Armenians."
December 25, 2012 - 15:26 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - The small group of Armenians in Chennai, the capital
city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, will have more reason to
rejoice on Christmas. For, the ancient St. Mary's Armenian Church
has completed 300 years of service to the community, Deccan Chronicle
reports.
Built in 1772, at the site of the Armenian cemetery where 350 graves
are laid, the church, also known as Armenian Church of Virgin Mary,
lends its name to the street at Parrys Corner. It houses a magnificent
belfry - 6 bells, said to be the largest bells in Chennai.
The tercentenary was celebrated with Rev. Fr. Geghart conducting the
Divine Liturgy followed by a requiem service. Armenians of Chennai
were famous for their printing press and charitable works.
It was in Madras that Aztarar, the first ever Armenian journal, was
printed and distributed by Rev. Harutiun Shmavonian in 1794. Though
Armenians of Chennai were known to be famous precious stone, silk
and spice merchants, there are few Armenians in the city now.
Former caretaker of the church, Michael Stephen, said, "I was happy
to attend the service thanks to Fr. Khoren. This is Armenian heritage
and we have to preserve this at any cost. God bless Indian Armenians."