The Armenian Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in Madras

The Armenian Church of the Holy Virgin Mary stands in the Indian city of Madras (Chennai) and is one of the oldest churches on the Indian subcontinent. It was built in 1712 and rebuilt in 1772.

The building was badly damaged by natural disasters, and the church was out of use for almost half a century. Through the efforts of the Armenian community of Calcutta it was fully restored and reconsecrated in November 2008. Buried near the church is the Reverend Harutyun Shmavonian, founder, publisher and editor of “Azdarar”, the world’s first Armenian periodical.

The modern photograph shows the white church with a dome crowned by a cross. The dates 1772 and 1712 are inscribed on the façade.