Whispers of history echo within these walls. The Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary stands before us, a testament to a vibrant community that once thrived in Chennai. The Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary, also known as St. Mary’s Church, isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a time capsule, dating back to 1712. Reconstructed in 1772 after a French siege, this church has witnessed centuries of Chennai’s history unfold. The Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary houses the graves of around 350 Armenians, their stories etched into the very stones. One of those stories belongs to Harutyun Shmavonyan. He founded and edited “Azdarar,” the world’s first Armenian periodical, a beacon of information and culture. His final resting place is here, within these hallowed grounds. Look up. Notice the belfry. It houses six bells, the largest and heaviest in Chennai. These bells chime every Sunday at 9:30 am, a tradition carried out by the church caretaker. Each bell has its own story to tell. One bell bears inscriptions in both Armenian and Tamil, a symbol of the fusion of cultures that defines this church. Two other bells were cast in London in 1837 by the renowned Whitechapel Bell Foundry. Their inscriptions bear the name of Thomas Mears, a reminder of the global connections that shaped the Armenian community in Chennai. The Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a repository of memories, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Armenian community in India.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to