In the bustling city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, stands a testament to a once-thriving Armenian community: the St. Mary’s Armenian Church. This 130-seat sanctuary not only serves as a place of worship but also as a historical marker, being the site where the first Armenian newspaper emerged in the late 1700s.
The church’s guardian, Michael Stephen, carries the weight of history on his shoulders. He is one of the last Armenians in Chennai, a city that once had a flourishing Armenian population, known for their trade and religious devotion. The original church, established in 1712, was a casualty of the French occupation of Madras in 1746, leading to the construction of the current structure within the confines of the Armenian cemetery.
Armenian traders and refugees from Persia, Iraq, and Armenia formed the backbone of this community. Their trade routes stretched from West Asia to the Philippines, dealing in goods such as cotton, textiles, timber, precious stones, hemp, and spices. According to Mr. Stephen, these industrious individuals not only prospered but also contributed significantly to the religious institutions they held dear.
Despite the dwindling numbers, the Armenian spirit endures in Chennai. Services are conducted four to six times a year, coinciding with the visits of a priest accompanied by Armenians from Calcutta, where approximately 140 Armenians resided as of 2003.
The story of the Armenians in Chennai is one of resilience and faith, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s cultural and religious landscape. As Mr. Stephen aptly puts it, their legacy is not just in the material wealth they accumulated but in the enduring contributions to their cherished churches and the communities they served.
Here are some authoritative sources that provide further information on the topics mentioned:
These sources should give you a well-rounded understanding of the Armenian community’s rich history in Chennai and their contributions to trade and culture. If you need more specific details or have other questions, feel free to ask
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