The Armenians settled in Kolkata during the first half of the 17th century and during that time, there was a vibrant Armenian community in Kolkata. Armenians in general owe allegiance to the Armenian Church which is known for its traditional orthodoxy. Since religion plays a very important role in the life of every Armenian,the thriving Armenian community built a church in Kolkata way back in the year 1724 which is regarded by many as the oldest church in Kolkata.

The church is located at 1 Armenian Street. As you drive your way past Clive Row which in turn leads you to the Old China Street, this imposing church stands like a beacon of hope for the miniscule 150 odd Armenian families who still inhabit Kolkata.

The present church was built by a pious Armenian named Aga Nazar. The land was donated by another devout Armenian by the name of Kenanentekh Phanoosh and the architectural know how was provided by Katchik Arfiel. Not only did he contribute his architectural acumen to this church, he also played a pivotal role in building exclusive residential blocks for the priests who lived in-house. The belfry which doubles upas clock tower too was donated by Arfiel.

During its initial years, the church benefited immensely through the patronage of wealthy Armenians of the stature of Sir Catchik Paul Chater, an Armenian millionaire who was born in Kolkata and made a fortune as a merchant. Before his death, Sir Paul donated his residential Estate to the Armenian church in Kolkata. Apart from Sir Paul, the church was also patronized by many eminent Armenians whose names are embellished in the walls of the church.

Both the exterior and interior walls of the church is replete with commemorations in memory of departed Armenians of Kolkata. The church is a harmonious blend of white and black marble and every inch of space has been utilized for commemorating departed Armenians. In certain cases even silver and brass tablets have used to engrave the commemorative tributes.

Most commemorative engravings that adorn the walls and even the steps to the altar are family memorials. But, if you have a roving eye, you will be touched by certain commemoratives. For instance, an engraving to the opposite of the parochial building goes like this - "Our glorious martyrs. In grateful tribute tour one million martyrs of the Armenian nation who lost their lives under most tragic conditions during the great world war 1914-1918. This monument is erected by their compatriots in Calcutta 24th April, 1965 in commemoration of the fiftieth Anniversary of the great National tragedy."

Not only do the commemoratives convey a deep sentimental tribute to departed Armenians, they also reflect their own struggle to protect their identity outside of their homeland.

Assemblies are held thrice a week in this beautiful church. Rev. Father Ghevond Ghevondian is the spiritual head of the Armenian community in India and he has been like a beacon of hope for the fledgling Armenian community who still live n India. In one of his emotional speeches he was quoted as saying - "Religion is very important in our lives, and to be quite honest, despite the fact that as a nation we have lost our independence and sovereignty more than once over the centuries, we have never lost our faith.

A visit to the Armenian Church will provide you with a fascinating insight about the life of the Armenian community in Kolkata. The church has its eye set on keeping alive a religious institution which has served generations of Armenians since 1724.

If you are of European origin and your forefathers happened to be baptized, married or buried in a church in British India, and more so at the Armenian Church of Kolkata, it is possible that the records should have been sent to the OIOC in the British Library in London or at the nearest Family History Center.