Echoes of belonging: The Armenian church’s bells of Chennai and their unseen legacy
The Armenian Church in Chennai, dedicated to Saint Mary, features a historic belfry with six significant bells. These bells, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, symbolize the Armenian community's rich heritage in the city. They are rung during various community events, serving as a reminder of the Armenian presence in Chennai.
- ▪The Armenian Church of St Mary was built in 1712 and reconstructed in 1772.
- ▪The oldest bell, dating to 1754, showcases a blend of Armenian heritage and Tamil craftsmanship.
- ▪The bells are rung every Sunday and during important Armenian celebrations, reflecting the community's ongoing legacy.
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Do bells clang, chime, or ring? On Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24, they seemed to toll, ringing across the streets of George Town.There is nothing more definitive about this area than a flurry of black lawyer gowns, derelict century-old buildings, and mayhem on the streets. The demeanour of this neighbourhood, just North of Fort St George, insists that in order to be alive, one must first sweat. Amidst the chaos though, is an oasis of iridescent white calm. The 300-year-old church dedicated to Saint Mary — located on Armenian Street opposite the High Court of Madras, acts as an insulator, cutting off honks, chatter and the harsh sun.
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