31 March 2007
A Historical Church
The Armenians flourished in Madras during the 17th and 18th centuries, when they had trade links with Europe and the East. The Armenians settled permanently at Madras in 1666. The English had settled in 1640.
The first Armenian Church at Madras was erected as far back as in 1712. It was one of the few magnificent edifices in the Esplanade area of the city. The present Armenian Church situated at No.60, Armenian Street, Parrys, Chennai-1, opposite Madras High Court, was erected in 1772 and is dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary.
The Armenians are an Indo-Aryan race and Christians by religion. The Armenian alphabet consists of 39 letters.
The Armenians who settled in Madras were excellent traders in textiles, precious stones, silk and spices. Khojah Petrus Woskan, the most eminent Armenian merchant at Madras in the early half of the 18th century, was the son of Khojah Woskan and grandson of the famous Khojah Pogose of Julfa, Iran. He was a true philanthropist and an earnest patriot in helping and giving succour to his countrymen.
Rev. Haruthium Shmavonian, the Venerable Father of Armenian journalism, died on Feb.9, 1824 aged 74 years and was buried on the Armenian Church premises where he had officiated as the vicar for 40 years.
Mr.T.Alexander, the church caretaker, speaking to ‘Chennai Plus’ reporter said that an Armenian named George Gregarian who lived on the church premises for the past 50 years and died in 2001 at the age of 89 has done beautiful pencil drawings of the church which have been put on display for public view.
For more details contact Mr.T.Alexander, caretaker of the Armenian Church of Holy Virgin Mary in Chennai, on 25386223.