On Thursday morning, 1 March 2007, the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and his delegation traveled from Calcutta to Chinsurah, one of the earliest Armenian settlements of West Bengal.?
The local Armenian community has long since disappeared from the agrarian city of Chinsurah, however, the beautiful church they built in 1697 still stands as testimony to their eternal faith and devotion to the Holy Apostolic Armenian Church.? The Armenian Church of Saint John the Baptist, well preserved and maintained by the Armenian Church Committee, is the second oldest Christian house of worship in all of West Bengal, as well as the oldest Armenian church in India still being used by the Armenians.
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Accompanying His Holiness Karekin II during the visit were His Eminence Archbishop Aghan Baliozian, His Excellency Ambassador Ashot Kocharian, Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, Chairman Haik Sookias Jr., and members of the Armenian Church Committee of Calcutta and Chinsurah, and the other members of the pontifical entourage.
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In the afternoon, the Pontiff of All Armenians returned to Calcutta and visited the Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy once more, spending time with the students and offering them his fatherly love, advice and encouragement.? On Thursday evening, His Holiness and the delegation departed Calcutta for Chennai (Madras).
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Photo: The Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist in Chinsurah, West Bengal.? Built in 1697.
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PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:? Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:? Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:? +374-10-517163
Fax:? +374-10-517301
E-Mail:? [email protected]
Website:? www.armenianchurch.org
March 10, 2007
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:? Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:? Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:? +374-10-517163
Fax:? +374-10-517301
E-Mail:? [email protected]
Website:? www.armenianchurch.org
March 10, 2007
Built in 1697 !!!!