Armenian Church, Chennai

The Armenian Church of the Virgin Mary stands on Armenian Street in George Town, Chennai. Built in 1712 and rebuilt in 1772 on the chapel grounds of the merchant Aga Shawmier, it is among the oldest churches in the subcontinent. It recalls the Armenian merchants who once traded in silk, spices and gems in Madras; a plaque honours the generous merchant Coja Petrus Oscan. The Armenian Apostolic Church pays for its upkeep through a committee in Kolkata, and only a few Armenian families still worship here.

About 350 Armenians are buried in the grounds, among them Harutyun Shmavonyan, founder of Azdarar, the world's first Armenian periodical. The separate belfry holds six bells of different sizes, each weighing around 150 kg, believed to be the largest in Chennai; one dates to 1754 and was recast in 1808, and the caretaker rings them every Sunday morning. The church is open to visitors as a heritage site.