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India’s Chennai Armenian Church Celebrates 300th Anniversary

On December 18, 2012, members of Armenian community in India marked the 300th anniversary of Chennai’s (Madras) St Mary Armenian Church. 

Rev. Fr. Geghart celebrated the Divine Liturgy followed by a requiem service.

The St. Mary Armenian Church of Chennai is one of the oldest Armenian churches in India, first erected in 1712 and re-erected again in 1772.

The 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 the year 1794.

Armenians of Chennai were known to be famous precious stone, silk and spice merchants. Records show that an Armenian settlement began to flourish in 17th century Chennai.

Many believe that the first Armenian to arrive in Chennai was a man called Thomas Cana in 780 AD. The Armenians of Madras were credited for their charitable works in Chennai and elsewhere.

#Լիզ Չեյթր

Comments (4)

Michael Stephen
Hi GB, I live in the city of Bangalore which is a 6 hr train ride from Madras.You can email me at [email protected].
Paul Chater
i was born and brought up in Chennai. My father was from izapur in UP and is of Armenian descent .
Michael Stephen
I was happy to attend the service thanks to FR Khoren for informing me.I do hope a more bigger celebration should take place to mark 300 years.The press and historians should be invited.This is Armenian heritage and we have to preserve this at any cost.God bless Indian Armenians and mayr hayastan. Michael Stephen Former Caretaker,Armenian Church,Madras.India.
GB
Where do you live now Michael? and who is the new caretaker??Are you from An Armenian descent? What is the duty of caretaker? Is madras municipality protect and maintain Armenian Church today?? It is very interesting how Armenian gone and lived in that part of the world!! I have found out that some Armenians were from Julfa, Isfahan, Persia, and that was very interesting as well!!Good to hear what happen to those Armenians??Did they emigrate or simply dissolved within India's Christian population?? Like Paul Chater mentioned, that he is from Armenian descent!! where is Izapur or UP??

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