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 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 in17th 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.
