“Lost their legacy in the cityscape.” That’s what an old news article said about Kolkata’s Greek community. We are standing before the METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH their most visible legacy.
The METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH is more than a building. It is a testament to a community’s faith and history. This church is the only Greek Orthodox church in India. It stands at the junction of SP Mukherjee Road and Library Road in Kalighat.
Greeks began arriving in Kolkata in the late 17th century. They came during India’s colonial period. After the Turko-Russian War in 1774 more Greeks settled here. By the early 19th century over 120 Greek families called Kolkata home. They were drawn by the flourishing trade between Greece and British India. Jute and spices were central to this trade. A successful Greek merchant community arose.
The first Greek Orthodox Church in Kolkata was built in 1752. It was near Murgihata by Canning Street. But this church was soon abandoned. A second church appeared on Amratolla Street around 1781. Warren Hastings approved its construction. Haji Alexios Argyree bore most of the cost.
The METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH’s current building dates to 1924. The Greek community decided to relocate the church in 1923. This majestic edifice has a classical frontage. Four Doric columns support a triangular pediment. Triglyphs adorn the structure. The METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH looks more like a Greek Temple than a church.
The METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH functioned until 1972. As the Greek population declined it shut down. Father Ignatios reopened it in 1991. He brought in local priests. He also started an orphanage. Sister Nektaria helps run the orphanage in Nepalgunj.
Inside the METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH Byzantine-style paintings adorn the walls. Icons of Greek saints are displayed. These include Akrivi Nektarios Dionysius and Spiridon. The Apostles Peter and Paul are on the inner walls near the main entrance. An intricately carved wooden Bishop’s Throne and Pulpit stand within. The Tomb of Jesus is an ornate wooden structure. It is displayed during Good Friday.
The METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH stands as a unique monument for Kolkata. It represents a bond between Greece and India. The church’s marble entrance displays the names of benefactors. These include Warren Hastings and Alexandros Argyris.
The establishment of the original Greek church has a remarkable story. A vessel named ‘Alexander’ faced a fierce storm. Alexios Argery a Greek officer promised to build a church if they survived. They did survive. Argery received permission but passed away before construction. His estate funded the church’s beginning in 1780.
Today Father Rafael Maity holds prayers every morning. A Sunday Liturgy is also held. Christmas is celebrated. Easter is celebrated a month after the Anglican and Catholic churches. The METAMORFOSEOS GREEK CHURCH is a symbol of faith. It is a testament to Kolkata’s diverse heritage. It is a place where history and spirituality meet.