One of the best church in Chennai Tamilnadu. It was amazing experience for me. Saint Mary Church of Chennai (Armenian: Սուրբ Աստվածածին Եկեղեցի), constructed in 1712 [1] and reconstructed in 1772, is one of the oldest churches of the Indian subcontinent, located in Chennai. It is famous for its belfry of six. The Church, also called the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, is located on the Armenian Street in the neighbourhood of George Town.

My visit to the church was really unexpected, in the midst of a busy street,that too after having our breakfast from the opposite Murugan idli.The church was opened and l was delighted to know that we could enter the church and explore the interiors as informed by the caretaker who was sitting in front of the church. Church was very calm, silent place with greenary everywhere, so many old photos were hung on the walls showing the historical stories. Around 350graveyards were there inside the church surroundings with engravings. A huge bell was seen. The white church really gives us a peaceful mind, though is pretty old, rusty and has broken wooden works, benches and stairs.Do visit the Church atleast once guys, its really worth a heritage watch. Thankyou.

310 year old church Saint Mary Church of Chennai also called the Armenian Church constructed in 1712 by seafaring traders from Armenia is one of the oldest churches of the Indian Subcontinent located in Chennai. It is famous for its Belfry of six. The Church, also called the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, is located on the Armenian Street in the neighbourhood of George Town Sad to see it lies in Neglect 2022.

The one and only Armenian church in Chennai. More than 300 years old. It's believed that when Armenians came to Chennai for trading they built this church. This is the only one church seen with mother Mary ascending to heaven on the alter background. The architecture of the building is so unique and beautiful. Despite of the busy street outside this place has a calm and quiet atmosphere. They have bells on the Bell tower. Entry to the bell tower is restricted now because of it's age.

What a silence. I never expected this much silence that too in parrys. We can hear birds sound. We can have lunch in the large garden besides the church. There are around 350 graves inside the premises each one inscribed with details. Almost 300years old church. This makes u to realise the real life that we will be sleeping in the grave and all the materialistic things will stay. So do the needful

Best place...

The Armenian Church is located on the Armenian Street in George Town. Constructed in 1712, thus making it one of the oldest churches of the Indian subcontinent, the Armenian Church is also known as the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary. The Armenian Church complex consists of a small chapel and a belfry tower. The chapel has a prayer hall with wooden seats arranged in front of an altar. A total of six metal bells are hung in the belfry. The bells are believed to be the largest and heaviest and have inscriptions to indicate the origin. The Armenian Church has also served as a cemetery and around 350 graves have been laid out throughout the complex. Today, though no services are held, the church is open to visitors of all faiths between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm on all days. Fort St George can also be clubbed while you are visiting the Armenian Church. Suitable for the whole family, the best time to visit the Armenian Church is between the months of October and February when the Chennai weather is at its best. Being in the heart of the city the Armenian Church is easily reachable by bus and cabs.

This Armenian Church is opened for visitors from 9 am to 2:30 pm.The graves of about 350 Armenians have been laid out throughout the Church. It is famous for its belfry of six.

Armenians who came to Madras for trade founded the St Mary’s Orthodox Church (Armenian Church )in 1712. This church was destroyed by French occupation between 1746 and 1749 and rebuilt in 1772 as it can be seen now. Apart from the beautiful garden there are more than 350 tombs around the church. Tomb of Rev. Fr. Haruthiun Shmavonian who is the author of first Armenian journal called ‘Azdarar’ can be found in the Church premises.The first Armenian newspaper 'Asadar' was published from Madras. One of the big tree next to tomb of Fr.Haruthiun Shmavonian seems to be a fig / jaboticaba.This Church is surrounded by big trees. The three storied bell tower of this church have 6 bells and it is audible In Madras high court area and Parry's area when it rings on Sunday mornings Main entrance of this antique building needs immediate renovation/reinforcement . Picture of Mother Mary's Ascension is installed on altar . Photography is not allowed inside Church.

It's a good church The Armenian Church, constructed in 1712 and reconstructed in 1772, is one of the oldest churches of the Indian subcontinent, located in Chennai. It is famous for its belfry of six. The Church, also called the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, is located on the Armenian Street in the neighbourhood of George Town.Functioning only as a heritage site, the Church is opened for visitors from 9 am till 2:30 pm. It is funded by the Armenian Apostolic Church and maintained by The Armenian Church Committee in Calcutta. The graves of about 350 Armenians have been laid out throughout the Church. The founder, publisher and editor of the world's first Armenian periodical "Azdarar", Reverend Haroutiun Shmavonian, is buried here. The Belfry adjacent to the main Church structure houses six large bells which are rung every Sunday at 9:30 am by the caretaker. The Armenians were a select group of merchants in Madras Presidency. They walked all the way from Armenia, through the Hindukush mountains and came down to Madras. When the British were trading cotton cloth, Armenians dealt with fine silk, expensive spices and gems. Madras must have housed a small but a thriving Armenian population. Today there are none of them left.

The Armenian Church, constructed in 1712 and reconstructed in 1772, is one of the oldest churches of the Indian subcontinent, located in Chennai. It is famous for its belfry of six. The Church, also called the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, is located on the Armenian Street in the neighbourhood of George Town.

Location on Google map is correct but entrance is on the next lane. Try to visit on Sundays there will be prayers and ringing of huge bells will be there.

Got to know about the Armenian connection with India and was curious to visit this church. The church was built in 1712 by Armenian merchants. Mr Jude Johnson who has been the caretaker of this church explained about the church wonderfully. The Armenians visit this church yearly and hold prayers. The altar is beautiful with the virgin Mary holding Jesus and ascending to heaven. The church and it's garden is well maintained. Its a shame that so many tourists have posted pictures of the church online when knowing the fact that photography and videography is not allowed. He had addressed his concern about it.

A real slice of history in an unexpected place. Well cared-for and quiet amidst the bustle of Chennai. Jude was a kind and considerate guide and detailed caretaker for this church!

A little known getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. A little Haven of quiet tucked away in one of the noisest bylanes of Georgetown. Lovingly tended to, the garden is a delight of blooms. This 307 year piece of history is highly recommended for a visit.

Very ancient church established by Armenians. Armenia is the first Christian country in the world

Chennai (erstwhile Madras) is the capital of the South Indianstate of Tamil Nadu, located on Coramandel coast off Bay of Bengal. Christianity arrived to Chennai with the Portuguesefirst arrived in 1522 and built a port called São Tomé after the Christian apostle, St. Thomas, who is believed to have preached in the area between 52 and 70 CE.The English East India Company under Francis Day bought lands in Chennai and made On 22 August 1639 as Madras Day. A year later, the English built Fort St. George, the first major English settlement in India,Chennai has seen missionaries from Scotland, United Kingdom and France. San Thome Church is believed to be the oldest Church in Chennai, while there were a lot of churches built during the colonial empire.

It is old church 1712 .The Armenian church is gerogeus church with old paintings and artitecture. Don't miss the old altar with assumption of Mother Mary 😍

My mind relaxing chruch and ambience is so good and very peaceful environment.

One of the oldest churches built by the Armenians who traveled all the way from Armenia to India via hindukush ranges. Very few families are settled here now. It's well maintained by them. The bell tower is quite famous which has 5 bells weighing 150kg each, that were cast in London and erected here. It's not visible from below actually. Worth a visit for people who like to know the Madras of the pre independence Era. Photography prohibited 🚫

Old church with a rich history. Car parking is difficult on weekdays. Pls call and visit. Usual timings are 9am to 2pm

1700s church in the heart of Chennai. One of the oldest churches in town. It has a huge bell tower at its centre. IG: @youjay77

Perhaps the oldest Orthodox congregation and the oldest replica of the Orthodox Dominion cathedral in Yerevan, Armenia. The first time you get in here, especially after 7:30 pm in the evening, the feel and the eerieness of the church makes you long for that eternal silence around, in that noisy neighborhood. Built by the Armenian and the Sephardic Jewish community of Fort St George's trading subjects in 1698 AD, the church and the sacred ground is a fantastic place to visit for every tourist whenever around Madras. It's a testimony to a community which had made great contributions to this place, though they migrated from a far off Land., and also were the Bankers and financiers of successful British wars and campaigns in the South Indian peninsula.

Old rustic place, very peaceful environment between the busy street, this church is at walking distance from High court and is a visual treat for heritage lovers

It is a old church

Peace of mind

Locked in the evening, built in 1712, looks primitive, more like an old style meeting hall or godown, windows are coming apart. Needs some preservation efforts.

Saint Mary Church of Chennai (Armenian: Սուրբ Աստվածածին Եկեղեցի), constructed in 1712 [1] and reconstructed in 1772, is one of the oldest churches of the Indian subcontinent, located in Chennai. It is famous for its belfry of six. The Church, also called the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, is located on the Armenian Street in the neighbourhood of George Town.

calm place ...with a beautiful garden has a church and has tombstones a well also ..

I am seeing this church from my childhood the Caretaker is also an Armenians a big man always posting outside the Armenian street and so attached with the calm and quite atmosphere inside and the photo of Mother Mary ascending to heaven and simple Altar. Armenians have well contributed for the construction, also busy market outside with quietest church inside. The authority needs to resume it's church activities and open to public for worship.

Just been for a while to look at this 302 year old church. It is good. But can be maintained even better. Inside of the church we can see a very rare picture of mother Mary taking Lord Jesus to the heaven. It is said that we can't see this photo any where else. (But I can't post the photo of the picture as they have requested). Visit if you are around.

Around 300 year old church... Near the Broadway bus stand. One and only picture is there, u need to visit to see the unique painting of the world. To much relaxation and peaceful place.

310 year old church Saint Mary Church of Chennai also called the Armenian Church constructed in 1712 by seafaring traders from Armenia is one of the oldest churches of the Indian Subcontinent located in Chennai. It is famous for its Belfry of six. The Church, also called the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary, is located on the Armenian Street in the neighbourhood of George Town Sad to see it lies in Neglect 2022

One of the best church in south India. This is best worship place. You will get peace to your soul. I recommend to visit this place for the peace..

The Armenian Church is one of the oldest churches in Chennai and has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was established by the Armenian community that resided in Chennai during that time. The church is dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator, who is considered the patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church...

The church is 300 old and still it has some positive energy and a positive vibes . We should visit such places very often to get some positive energy with us .

It was a great occassion when I took my friend to Sacred Heart Cathedral, reminiscent of British rule in India, who had come from United Kingdom. Went inside the church, which was beautifully decorated

It was a great occassion when I took my friend to Sacred Heart Cathedral, reminiscent of British rule in India, who had come from United Kingdom. Went inside the church, which was beautifully decorated

A very old church standing as the significance of Armenians over the Indian soil before the Independence Era. The church is nothing too worthy to visit unless and until you are a History manic. Visiting this church on the other hand will give one an experience to visit 200-300 year old Armenian Cemeteries.

Good.peaceof mind

One of the oldest churches at Chennai.

(Translated by Google) I was impressed to find the Armenian church in Chennai. Already in 1712. Well maintained, respectful, friendly. Interesting. (Original) Был впечатлён, найдя армянскую церковь в Ченнае. Аж 1712 года. Ухоженно, уважительно, дружелюбно. Интересно.

Historical place to be visited

It has this Armenian vide in it so cool that it has been standing this many years

Calm and Peaceful place.Must visit.

It is historical place

Love the place

Excellent place to visit.

Am a frequent every week pilgrim goes 🏃to armenian church and I ❤😘 it...

The Armenian Church was first built in 1712 as a simple wooden structure . It was demolished in 1746 during the French occupation of Madras and then rebuilt in 1772. The Belfry houses six bells,  two of these dating from 1837 come from London's Whitechapel Bell Foundry , that created the bells for the UK parliament's Big Ben, and the much older Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

A hidden gem in Chennai, this church was established by a sizable Armenian community in India back in 1712. Every Sunday, the caretaker rings the bell at around nine in the morning. This church is a classic example of how Indians were always flexible and open to other cultures. A bit disappointing fact, however, is it lacks charm for the kind of important monumental heritage it is. All visitors to Chennai should definitely pay a small visit to this place.

Very oldest church in Chennai very good circumstances parking facilities available every Sunday morning prayer will held then that is good for photography... Very nice place more space available for prayer.. Very close to Chennai beach station... Very near to bus stop then auto facilities available.. Easy to reach Marina within 5min.... Very near to pet market which held every Sunday morning and also upcoming metro station

The Armenian Church is located on the Armenian Street in George Town. Constructed in 1712, thus making it one of the oldest churches of the Indian subcontinent, the Armenian Church is also known as the Armenian Church of Virgin Mary. The Armenian Church complex consists of a small chapel and a belfry tower. The chapel has a prayer hall with wooden seats arranged in front of an altar. A total of six metal bells are hung in the belfry. The bells are believed to be the largest and heaviest and have inscriptions to indicate the origin. The Armenian Church has also served as a cemetery and around 350 graves have been laid out throughout the complex. Today, though no services are held, the church is open to visitors of all faiths between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm on all days. Fort St George can also be clubbed while you are visiting the Armenian Church. Suitable for the whole family, the best time to visit the Armenian Church is between the months of October and February when the Chennai weather is at its best. Being in the heart of the city the Armenian Church is easily reachable by bus and cabs.

Peaceful place.. Must visit place for Christians and History lovers.. Heritage church. Not much noticed so far

Loved the place...it's Beauty is that there is still calmness instead of busy and crowdy Armenian street....u can also consider it as the one of the wonders of the world...🙏🙏

It barely has any visitors anymore. Moreover it is unnoticeable in the extremely busy environment surrounding it. There are two people who are in charge of it and they were quite rude to us. But anyway, the place itself was so antique and wonderful. It was amazing to see the huge church bell, the half built tomb stones, the church, and the garden.

This is oldest place in Chennai

Monumental place, good maintenance. Worth to visit..

Very freedom of this place

Ancient church in chennai

The oldest church in Chennai

Super atmosphere & peace

Very nice and holistic place.

Very old church

Wonderful calm place ....very old .... Chennai's tie with Armenians can seen...worth visiting....Mother Mary in the church is breathtaking

Sacred heart of JESUS is WORSHIPPED

Nics place

Good

Great for peace seekers

Beautifully maintained church in busy Parrys

Rush place

Heritage in the centre of the city and Mr Jude a wonderful person