|
One
of the oldest churches in Chennai, the Armenian Church
on No: 116 Armenian Street, remains a place of peace and
tranquility in the midst of the cacophony of street vendors
outside. The Church complex includes a small chapel, where
regular services used to be held and a Belfry tower.Now a
deserted place, with a few visitors, mostly foreign tourists,
this church was bustling with activity in the 17th and 18th
century, when almost 200 Armenian families lived in Chennai.
|
 |
The church complex, in olden times had served as a mortuary
and cemetery as well. This particular emblem on the tombstone
has motifs of scissors, scale and balance, to signify "cut,
measure and weigh justly".
|
|
The bells in the Belfry tower. They were cast in England
and shipped exclusively for this church. Each bell weighs
200 kilograms.
|
 |
|
The Church corridor, where many tombstones of Armenians buried
in the 17th century, can be seen.
|
|
Built initially in 1712 near Fort St George, this church
was destroyed in the French seige in 1746. It was completly
rebuilt in 1772 at Armenian Street
|
 |
 |
The Belfry tower, which is the only church in Chennai to
boast 6 iron bells. The bells are rung every sunday.
|
|
 |
| |
 |
|
 |
|
