Armenian Church of the Holy Nazareth

Clock tower of the Church

The Armenian Holy Church of Nazareth is an Armenian Apostolic church that is located in the northwest corner of Barabazar in the Greater Kolkata area, and is called "Mother Church of the Indian Armenians". It is possibly the oldest church in the Kolkata area.^[1] It was built in 1724 by Agha Nazar after a fire destroyed the previous Armenian church that had been built on the land in 1688. To the first Armenians who settled in India, who were mostly traders, continuation of tradition and preservation of religion were of the utmost importance. The Holy Nazareth structure is one of three Armenian churches in Kolkata; the other two are Saint Mary's Church and the church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator.^[2]

The church's interior is decorated with marble. A staircase leads to a galleries section where the walls are adorned with inset frescoes and paintings. The altar in the church is adorned with a cross, the Gospel text and twelve candlesticks symbolizing Jesus Christ's Twelve Apostles. The altar is also decorated with three paintings by English artist AE Harris, "Holy Trinity", "Last Supper" and "The Enshrouding of Our Lord". Remnants of the old Armenian cemetery can be observed in the various rooms of the church.^[2]

In the 20th century, the church provided a place for members of the Russian diaspora to hold Russian Orthodox church services.^[3]

History

Fresco display

Armenians have lived in India since ancient times.^[2]

In June 22, 1688, the British East India Company signed a contract with the Armenians residing in India. The contract was signed by Sir Josiah Child, who represented the East India Company; and Khoja Sarhad and Khoja Fanush, who represented the Christian Armenian community. In accordance with the agreement, the East India Company had to build churches throughout India in areas that were inhabited by at least 40 Armenians, with the provision of 50 pounds as a salary for the priests in those churches.

In 1708, which is officially considered the founding date of the church (although 1705 and 1707 have also been given as dates by sources), the East India Company built a small wooden church on what is now the site of the southeast wing of the Church of Holy Nazareth. In 2008, it celebrated its tercentenary.^[4] According to other sources, an Armenian named Aga Nazar (Nazar Ago) raised money and built the church in 1724.^[5] The present church building was built in 1764 by Aga Mamed Hazar Maliyar on land donated by an Armenian named Kenanentekh Phanoosh, and was designed by Kavond (or Hevond) from Persia.

The interior of the church was designed by Catchick Arakiel. Erfiel also built a monastery for priests and erected a high wall around the cemetery. In addition, he donated a clock to be fitted in the church structure. In 1790, Catchick Arakiel attached her room to the clergy and set the clock on the belfry. The expensively decorated interiors, including a combination of black and white marble, were placed with the support of wealthy Armenians, such as Sir Catchick Paul Chater.

See also

• Armenians in India
• Elihu Yale
• Paul Chater (born Khachik Pogose Astwachatoor)- Indian born Hong Kong-Armenian businessman who donated half his estate to the church after his death in 1926

References

1. "Armenian Churches of India" (Web page). armeniancollege.in. Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
2. "Church Children". The Telegraph. 23 May 2010. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
3. Русский миссионер в Индии: Архимандрит Андроник (Елпидинский) (in Russian). В Красках Россия. 2011. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
4. Армянский храм в Калькутте отметит в этом году 300-летний юбилей (in Russian). Armenian Patriarchate of Moscow. 15 August 2008. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
5. "Братская Помощь Пострадавшимъ въ Турции Армянамъ" (in Old East Slavic). Genocide.ru. 2000–2004. Retrieved 29 July 2011.

External links

• The Church of Holy Nazareth Kolkata

Coordinates: 22°34′44″N 88°21′04″E / 22.579°N 88.351°E